Full text of "Historical discourse : delivered on the 18th of October, 1877, at the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the Reformed Dutch Church of New Utrecht, L.I."

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1851620

REYNOLDS HISTORT'CM.
GENEALOOY COLLECTION

5 yyo

HISTORICAL DISCOURSE,

DclfaereB on t!ie iSti) ct October, 1877, at tfre

CELEBRATION

OF THE

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE

Reformed Dutch Church

OF NEW UTRECHT, L. L,

By Rev. David S. Sutphen,

PASTOR OF THE CHURCH ;

AND AN

HISTORICAL ADDRESS,

By Hon. Teunis G, Bergen.

t ' WITH an afpendix,

CONTAINING THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN ELDERS AND DEACONS.

PUBLISHED UNDER TIIE DIRECTION OF THE CONSISTORY,

FOR FRIVATK CIRCULATION.

1877.

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2015

https://archive.org/details/historicaldiscouOOsutp

INTRODUCTION.

THURSDAY, October iSth, 1877, was the day set apart for the celebration of the
Two Hundredth Anniversary of the organization of the Reformed
Dutch Church of New Utreciit. The day was bright and cheerful. The
church had been gracefully decorated by the young people, with fresh evergreens
wrought in wreaths and trained in festoons upon the galleries and walls. Flowers
appeared among the evergreens, and greatly heightened their effect. Numerous
flags waved from every part of the auditorium. The pulpit, and all the space about it,
were radiant with rare hot-house plants and cut flowers. Vines and flowers twined
about the chandeliers. A gilt dove, which formerly suimounted* the ' 'sounding-
board over the pulpit in the first church, and which has been preserved by Mr.
John Lott, was on the reading-desk. Near it lay a Dutch Bible, musty with the
mould of two centuries. Curious tablets, indicating the hymns that were sung in
the olden times, were suspended at either side of the pulpit. An hour-glass,
wherewith the preachers, in days long gone by, regulated their discourses, now in
the possession of Mr. R. Benson, and a black velvet pouch in which the deacons
took their collections, were on the platform. A large number of people from this
and the adjoining towns filled the edifice. Many clergymen were present. On
each side of the pulpit were Sabbath-school banners — one bearing the date of 1826.

The morning exercises, at which the pastor presided, commenced at 10.15 A. M.
by a voluntary on the organ by Mr. John Currie, the organist of the church, and
the singing by the whole congregation of the Long Metre Doxology, “Praise God,
from whom all blessings flow.” This was followed by the reading of the Ten Com-
mandments in Dutch, by Hon. Teunis G. Bergen, from the Bible in use in the
first church, printed in 1672. A portion of Scripture was read also from the Bible
first used in the new church, by Rev. George S. Bishof, D. D., of Orange N. J. ;
and Rev. William H. De Hart, of Jamaica, L. I., offered prayer. The 559th
hymn, “I love Thy kingdom, Lord,” was sung; after which the historical dis-
course contained in' the following pages was delivered by the pastor. The sermon
was followed by the 924th hymn, “Our God our help in ages past,” which was
sung by the whole congregation, led by the chorister, without the organ. After
the hymn, Rev. C. L. Wells made an address. “ He presented the congratula-
tions of the venerable church of Flatbush, and endeavored to lead the audience to
resolve to make some suitable memorial of the day, and suggested that they who
had received and inherited so many blessings through the gospel of Christ, might
with great propriety now send that gospel to those who are without it.” The Apos-
tolic benediction was pronounced by Rev. A. P. Stockwell, of Gravesend.

INTRODUCTION.

Rev. Charles H. Pool said: “ Child of the Church!” I feel proud of the
title. I feel prouder still to speak here. Memory has been very busy with me to-
day, but no great change is apparent. The church is changed. How I remember
the good old pastor from whom I and my brother ran and hid when he visited our
house, but to whom I was glad to come, in after years, for comfort and advice ! I
also remember, with glad emotions, my Sunday-school teacher, Dr. Carpenter, to
whose faithful instruction I owe so much, and who sent me on my mission with
words of cheer.

Rev. Charles S. Wright was then introduced, and spoke eloquently and
feelingly. He took sides with the Puritans, spoken of by Hon. T. G. Bergen, and
believed that to them we owed a great deal, even here. He said everything told the
story to-day. The pastor had preached it powerfully, all the speakers had portrayed
it eloquently, the music had given it sweetly, the flowers had told it tastefully, and
it remained but for him to re-echo the same sentiment.

Rev. J. M. Van Burex, formerly of New Lots, made a few remarks on tem-
perance, alluding to the difference in the social customs of the old times and new.

Rev. A. R. Thompson, D. D., who, as President of the South Classis of Long
Island, had conducted the exercises of the afternoon to the entire satisfaction of all
present, in an eloquent closing address, alluded to the instructions of the past, and
spoke of the covenant faithfulness of God, who according to his promise had
blessed children and children’s children, on this very spot, for two hundred years.

The singing was conducted by the chorister, Mr. Andrew Hegemax.

The benediction was pronounced by Rev. E. P. Rogers, D. D., of New York.

Thus ended a day that cannot be forgotten by those present — a day when were
gathered up the mercies of the days of the years of the right hand of the Most High.

Among the clergymen present were Rev. O. E. Cobb, Rev. Charles I. Shep-
herd, Rev. E. S. Fairchild, Rev. H. A. Friedel, Rev. U. D. Gulick, Rev. Dr.
E. P. Ingersoll, Rev. Dr. J. M. Ferris, Rev. R. G. Strong, and Rev. Daniel
Rapelye, Missionary to China.

DISCOURSE.

In the Forty-eighth Psalm, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth
verses, we find these words :

“Walk about Zion, and go round about her : tell the towers thereof Mark ye well
her bulwarks, consider her palaces ; that ye may tell it to the generation follow-
ing. For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even
unto death.”

One of the beautiful and distinguishing features of God’s ancient
people was the love they bore for Jerusalem. It was their joy and
glory, the centre of all the endearments of life. The stones in
her streets were objects of affection, while her gates and walls and
towers were the themes of conversation, and the subjects of their
songs. Toward that loved place they turned when they prayed,
and they breathed out their love in the earnest supplication,
“ Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.”
Yet not all portions of Jerusalem were held of equal importance by
the Jew. One portion was lifted higher than the rest in their affections.
It really caused the whole city to be beloved. It was Zion.

Mount Zion, technically, was the southernmost hill, and the highest
on which the city was built, and was both the stronghold and ornar
ment of Jerusalem. The hill rose perpendicularly from the valleys on
the west and south, and was therefore naturally very strong, and art had
contributed to render it stronger. To it the inhabitants fled when King
David came from Hebron to J erusalem, and they boasted that so long
as any were left to defend it, though they were the lame and the blind,
no enemy could effect its capture. But David conquered it, and
made it his capital. This mount, together with Mount Moriah and
Ophel, David enclosed within his first wall ; and to this ancient portion
the term Zion was frequently applied. This contained the magnificent
palaces of Solomon, and was strongly fortified by citadels and towers.

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

“ Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion.
God is known in her palaces for a refuge. The kings of the earth
were assembled; they passed by together. They saw it, and so they
marvelled : they were troubled, and hasted away.” Because this was
the defense of Jerusalem, it was the object of the tenderest affection
of the J ew.

But it was not alone, or chiefly, these things — her wealth or mag-
nificence or impregnability — that rendered the place so dear. It was
something better than these. It was because the sanctuary, in which
every Jew loved to worship, was there. The beautiful and holy tem-
ple was reckoned as a part of Zion. Hence it was loved most of all by
the Jew ; and when endangered, it awakened the deepest anxiety of
the nation. Against this temple and the surrounding walls and towers
frequent battles were waged; yet because of her position and strength,
when the conflict ended, almost always Zion stood beautiful in vic-
tory.

It is thought that the writer of the Forty-eighth Psalm composed
it to celebrate some remarkable victory or preservation vouchsafed unto
her by the Lord, from her powerful assailants. Some interpreters
think that it was on the occasion of Jehoshaphat’s victory over the
children of Ammon and Moab. Others think that it was a song of
thanksgiving after the defeat and destruction of Sennacherib’s army,
who came up against the citadel and temple, and, with an host of
185,000 men, besieged the city, and in the morning were all dead
corpses. Whichever view is the correct one, whether preservation or
triumph it may have been, the writer invites those who loved Zion,
and were employed in her defence, to walk around her walls and ob-
serve the deliverance that God had wrought for them ; to go count
her towers and bulwarks, and observe that they were uninjured ; that
her palaces remained in beauty and unharmed ; and he farther direct-
ed them to recount to generations following the wonderful instances
of God’s care and preservation ; that Zion still retained her beauty
and glory and impregnability, and that amid her enemies she had
neither been ruined nor destroyed.

But the towers of that Zion have long since been overthrown, and
the temple, with its unrivalled splendors, is gone , and her palaces, as
Calvin says the very words intimate, have crumbled into dust. But
there is a Zion of which this was the type, still beloved by the mem-
bers of the true Israel, whose towers are still beautiful, and whose
bulwarks shall never be overthrown. It is the Church of God, built on
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, of which Christ Jesus is

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEIV UTRECHT, L. I.

the chief corner-stone. Through the assaults of enemies and the
changes of centuries this Zion stands still impregnable. No other
place on earth is so precious. No other can awaken so many pre-
cious memories, or inspire such joyful hopes, as the Church of Christ.

If it was a good thing for the Israelite to walk about and observe
the beauty and defence of Zion in his day, it is also a good thing for us
and a thing calculated to promote our love, and hope, and joy, to re.
count the trials and triumphs, the crosses and conquests of two hun-
dred years : to observe her towers and bulwarks guarded by Him
who neither slumbers nor sleeps ; to observe her precious ordinances
as palaces, her glorious promises as bulwarks, that we may tell to the
generations following, the glory and beauty of the Zion which God
has given us, in order that future generations may make her God their
guide, may espouse her interests, and cleave unto them forever. I
find in these words the authority and the motive for what we under-
take on this occasion. The same God who was the guide of the Psalmist
and Israel in their way, and whose omnipotent hand was over them*
for their protection and preservation, has been the God and guide of
this church from its organization until now. And it seems fitting
that those who compose the church at this time should review — as
well as we can — the past, tracing the facts of our history, and treasur-
ing them as the children of God and this Church, as memorials of His
great goodness. We shall endeavor, so far as the brevity of a single
discourse will allow, to do this — to trace the history and blessings and
encouragements of this Church of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We belong to that branch of the Church of Christ which is known
as the Reformed Dutch Church of North America. The Reformed
Protestant Dutch Church in Europe and America has for more than
three centuries been recognized as a church of pure faith and scrip-
tural polity. Pier history is a part of the record of the struggle of
man for civil and religious freedom; for the conflict in the Nether-
lands of the Church under the Cross was for liberty of thought, and be-
lief, and worship. Upon that long and fearful but successful conflict
we shall not now speak. Motley, in his matchless histories, recounts
the privations our fathers endured, the difficulties they encountered,
the battles they won in their contest with Charles . V. and his son Philip
II., with an eloquence that is thrilling, yet by no means inappropriate.
The historian tells us that against the encroachments of Rome and
her persecutions, our fathers tenaciously maintained — though at a
fearful cost of blood and treasure — their right of freedom to worship
God. They held, and strove to implant in every heart, the three

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

grand ideas — First, that all men are created equal. Second, that the
Bible, or Sacred Scriptures, is the only rule of faith and practice.
Third, that converts to the faith are not to be compelled, but to be
won.

Memorable in history is the union of the seven Northern provinces,
in which evangelical religion prevailed, called the Union of Utrecht.
In the city of that name in Holland, renowned for its excellent schools
and University, which gave us Dr. Livingston, men perished at the
stake rather than give up their faith. And the Church was noted for
the loyalty and love, the courage and devotion to her doctrines and
customs, of all who embraced her ordinances. As early as 1625, Dutch
agricultural settlers arrived in this country. They came not like the Pil-
grims, forced by religious persecution from home, but as Holland was
a mercantile nation, many of her inhabitants came hither for purposes
of trade. They gave names to their settlements similar to those in
the old country. Those who landed at New York gave to the settle-
^ment the name of New Amsterdam. Those who settled on Long
Island gave to their settlements the names of Amersfoort, Breukelen,
Midwoud, New Utrecht, Gravesande. The towm of New Utrecht was
established as early as 1657. With their habits of industry and order,
\>ur fathers also brought their principles and faith ; and they introduced
on the shores of their adopted country the same high principles of re-
ligious culture in which they had so carefully been reared at home.
Our ancestors trusted in God. Jehovah was acknowledged and wor-
shipped by them. As soon as they had formed a settlement they
sought to organize a church and erect a building wherein they might
worship God.

At first the inhabitants of Long Island crossed over the East
River and attended divine service in New York, until the year 1654,
when Reformed Dutch churches were organized on Long Island, at
Flatbush and Flatlands. Rev. Mr. Megapolensis, a minister of New
York, and a committee, were sent over to Midwoud (Flatbush) and
organized a church, February 9th, 1654.

The first Dutch minister settled on Long Island was Rev. Johan-
nes Theodorus Polhemus. He had formerly labored as a missionary
in Brazil; but arriving in this country and manifesting a ze.ai in the
cause by organizing a church in New Amstel, Del., he was author-
ized by Governor Stuyvesant to preach in Flatbush, Flatlands, and
Brooklyn. While he was the pastor of the Kings County churches,
the first Dutch church on Long Island was erected, at Flatbush.
It was in the form of a cross, sixty feet long and twenty-eight feet

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW UTRECHT ; Z. I.

wide. Governor Stuyvesant, in 1660, appointed Pfbv. Mr. Megapolen-
sis, John Snediger and John Stryker,, as commissioners to build this
church, and ordered the people to assist. It was completed in the
following year. Those having charge of the work reported that the
building cost 4,637 guilders, or about 1,800 dollars. This amount
was contributed by the inhabitants of the towns, and the salary of
the minister — $416 per year — was raised by tax. In 1656, the Gov
emor ordered that the minister should preach every Sabbath morn-
ing in Flatbush, and in the afternoons alternately in Flatlands and
in Brooklyn. Dominie Polhemus enjoyed a long pastorate of 22
years. Fie died June 9th, 1676, deeply lamented, and was buried in
the Brooklyn church, in front of the baptistery. The Consistory said:
In recording the death of their worthy and beloved pastor, they de-
plored the loss of his pious instructions, godly example, and edifying
preaching. Under him a church was built in Flatlands in 1662, and
in the town of Brooklyn in 1666.

On February 16th, 1660, the Rev. Henricus Selyns — one of the
most prominent and devoted ministers of his day— was called as the
minister of the church of Brooklyn. On September 7th, 1660, he met
with his church, and on September 12th, received a list of members
from Rev. Mr. Polhemus, containing thirty-seven names. The first
services were held in a barn. Mr. Selyns afterwards preached on Sab-
bath mornings in the church of Brooklyn, and at the Governor’s bow-
erie, or farm, in the afternoon. Few men have exerted a more bene-
ficent and extensive influence. It is acknowledged that his eloquence
was unsurpassed, while his devotion to his calling endeared him to all.
He was a poet as well as preacher. He married his wife in New
Utrecht. In 1664, July 22nd, he returned to Holland, from whence
he was called to New York in 16S2, and was pastor until 1700.

For several years the inhabitants of the town of New Utrecht form-
ed a part of and worshipped with the congregations of Flatbush, Flat-
lands, and Brooklyn, and contributed proportionably for the support
of these churches. Previous to 1677, during the pastorate of Rev
Johannes T. Polhemus, and while Rev. Flenricus Selyns was pastor of
Brooklyn, religious services were held in New Utrecht, in the school-
house, if they had any ; if not, in a private building. The church
records of collections show that five public services were held prior to
the date of the organization of the church.

The Reformed Protestant Dutch church of New Utrecht was or-
ganized in the year 1677. The service was conducted by Rev. Cas_
parus Van Zuuren, who had been installed five months before, as

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY, \

pastor of the Dutch churches of Flatbush, Flatlands, and Brooklyn.
The church of New Utrecht was composed of twenty-seven members,
whose names have been preserved ; four of whom were selected and
ordained to form the first Consistory.

The names of the first elders were Jan Guysbertsz and Myndert
Korten. The names of the first deacons were Arian Willemtsz (Ben-
nett) and Tan Hansen (Van Noostrand).* The names of their succes-
sors have been kept, and can be given, as an interesting item of history,
in an almost unbroken chain, untill the present.

Thus our church is an organized body two hundred years old
this month, the first election of officers having occurred in October-
Heaven smiled upon the effort. The labors of our fathers, begun
with faith in God and earnest prayers, God has crowned with abundant
success. The church thus planted has grown and prospered.

The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was first administered in New
Utrecht by Rev. Mr. Van Zuuren on the 23rd day of December, 1677 —
Flatlands and New Utrecht communing together. On that occasion
he preached from Hebrews 13 :S — “ Jesus Christ, the same yesterday,
and to-day, and forever.” In the following year the sacrament was
administered on the 1 4th ofjuly, when he preached from Romans 12:9;
and again on the 12th of December. In 1679 it was administered
in July; in 1CS0, in January, June, and December; in 1681, in July;
in 1682, in January, June, and December; in 1683, in June and De-
cember ; in 16S4, in June ; in 1685, on April 1 7th — on which occasion
the services were conducted by Rev. Peter Teschenmaker, minister
on Staten Island.

This church formed a part of the collegiate system of churches
known as the Dutch Churches of Kings County. From the time
of the organization of this church Mr. Van Zuuren’s charge consisted of
the congregations of Flatbush, Brooklyn, Flatlands, and New Utrecht,
to whom he preached alternately, and who erected a parsonage for his
use at Flatbush. Each congregation had a consistory of two elders and
two deacons, and the business of the churches was transacted at
union meetings of all the consistories. These were the only Dutch
churches on Long Island during Mr. Van Zuuren’s ministry, of whose
existence we have any present authentic record. The Flatbush church
records (the oldest on the island) give during Mr. Van Zuuren’s min-
istry the names of the elders and deacons chosen in Flatbush, Flat-

* The writer would thank Hon. Teunis G. Bergen, Rev. E. T. Corwin, D. D.,and H.
Onperdonk, Jr., for interesting items.

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW UTRECHT \ L. T. 13

lands, Brooklyn, and New Utrecht, from 1677 to 1684. No other
consistories nor church organizations are mentioned. While the
church in New York was vacant, Mr. Van Zuuren, by invitation,
preached therein every Wednesday. lie also preached occasionally
in the destitute church of Bergen. Dominie Van Zuuren labored
faithfully and acceptably until the year 1685. On May 6th, he preach-
ed his farewell sermon, from Numbers 6: 23-27. On May 18th, with
his wife and child, he sailed for Holland, where he accepted a call,
and died in the year 1685. He was an able man. He prepared his
sermons for the Sabbath with great care, while in pastoral work he
displayed the excellent qualities of energy, tact, and affection. He
was instrumental in greatly advancing the interests of religion on
Long Island.

After the departure of Dominie Van Zuuren, at a meeting of the
congregations, held May 10th, 1685, it was resolvedly a vote of eighty-
three in favor and seven against, to apply to the Classis of Amster-
dam for another minister.. In the mean time Rev. Henry Selyns,
of New York, and Rev. Peter Teschenmaker, of Staten Island, preach-
ed occasionally in the churches, and administered the sacraments.
About the middle of June, 1685, Rev. Rudolphus Varick came from
Holland and was installed as pastor, and preached in all the churches.
During his pastorship, as they had been previous to it, civil affairs in
the colony were in a bad and entangled condition. The temporary
surrender by the Dutch to the English greatly embarrassed the Dutch
churches. The frequent changes of Governors also wrought injur}'.
In 1689, when Leisler usurped the office of Governor, and demand-
ed that all should recognize and submit to his authority, Dominie
Varick, who was a very bold man, remained patient as long as he
could; but finally, for his high handed proceedings, he felt con-
strained openly to denounce him as a usurper. This awoke the
wrath of Leisler, and he was charged with speaking treasonable
words, and with being cognizant of a design to rescue the fort from
Leisler. He was dragged by a force of armed men from his home
and confined within the fort for six months, and was sentenced by
La Noy, a pretended judge, to pay a fine of ^80, to be deposed
from his ministerial functions, and kept in prison until the fine was
paid. ^

Rev. Henricus Selyns, of New York — to whom probably more
than to any other man the church owed its preservation and liberty
during the colonial period — sought to secure his release. He offered
himself and his property as bail. The offer was refused, and he was

" : V ' 1 ''A* 5 i'O ?■'; i.Uid;> t

■

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

informed that, unless he discontinued his efforts, he would be impris-
oned himself. How long Dominie Varick remained in prison we can-
not tell. He was ultimately released, but his ill-treatment hastened
his death. Leisler, his persecutor, not long after, was deposed and
executed. Dominie Varick died, greatly lamented, May 7th, 1695.

As the minister preached in four churches, it follows that he was
necessarily absent from each church many services during a month.
On the Sabbaths he was unable to be present, services were conduct-
ed by the voor-lezer, or clerk. This person was probably the village
schoolmaster. His duties were to keep the church clean, and ring
the bell three times before the sermon ; between the second and
third ringings to read a chapter from the Bible ; in the morning ser-
vices, to read the Ten Commandments and the Twelve Articles of
belief after the third ringing. In the afternoon sendee he read a
short Psalm. He also led in all the singing. When the minister
was not present, he read a sermon from a book called “ House Hom-
ilies,” at the morning service, and a sermon on the Heidelberg Cat-
echism in the afternoon. He was also required, on these Sabbaths,
to hear the children recite the catechism. He provided water at
baptisms, and discharged the duties of grave-yard sexton.

In 1695, Rev. Wilhelmus Lupardus came over from Holland, and
became the minister of the churches of Flatbush, Brooklyn, Flatlands,
and New Utrecht, and continued until his death, February, 1702.
His family consisted of a wife and seven children. The connection
between civil and ecclesiastical affairs appears to have been very close
in those days : the deacons of the church were the Overseers of the
Poor in the town, and the elders were the Commissioners of Educa-
tion. Some histories nyention the name of Rev. James Clark as a
minister of the Kings County churches from the year 16S5 to 1695.
His name is not found in our records.

During Mr. Lupardus’ ministry — or about the year 1700 — the
congregation erected a church edifice. It was a stone structure of
octagonal form, with a roof running up to a point, surmounted by a
belfry. At first it was without pews, the worshippers occupying
chairs. Afterward pews were erected in it. The pulpit was very high,
with about room enough in it for the preacher — in shape very much
like a tumbler. Access to it was gained by a winding stair-case on
one side. This building stood in the old grave-yard at the other end
of the village, and remained until the year 1828 — a period of one
hundred and twenty-eight years. During all this time it was used for
public worship, except a few years during the struggle for Independ-

■

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, \ NEW UTRECHT, \ L. I.

ence. During the Revolutionary War it was occupied by the British.
Peculiar in construction and prominent in position, its removal was
deeply regretted. It is said that sea captains used it as a mark by
which to steer their vessels into the harbor ; and I doubt not many a
landsman found it to be the place where he was directed in the way
to the heavenly home.

Shortly after the death of Mr. Lupardus, about the year 1702,
the Governor of the colony was appealed to by the elders of the
Kings County churches, for consent to call Rev. Bernardus Freeman,
a minister at Schenectady, instead of applying to the Classis of Am-
sterdam to send them a minister. Lord Cornbury was at that time
Governor, and he worked hard to establish the English Church, and
did not allow the Dutch churches to send for ministers, except by
his permission. For some reason, the Governor at first refused to
grant this request, and this action awakened opposition from a part
of the people in the different towns. Flatbush called a town meet-
ing, at which those present affirmed that they had the right to call the
•minister of their choice ; and a committee was appointed of one from
each town, to secure Rev. Mr. Freeman as their minister. Mr. Free-
man was born at Gilhuis, Holland, and, like most young men of the
day, learned a trade. Fie was a tailor. He was a man possessed of
large natural gifts. He had a special faculty for acquiring the lan-
guages. When the church of Albany needed a minister, it appears
that Mr. Freeman was ordained by the Classis of Lingc, in Westphalia,
March 10th, 1700, and sailed for this country. The Classis of Am-
sterdam, however, had ordained Rev. Johannes Lydias for that place ;
and he arriving in the country first, was accepted by the church.
Dominie Freeman went to Schenectady and labored among the Mo-
hawks. Finally the Governor gave a license to Dominie Freeman
to be called to Long Island ; but as the conditions did not suit him
he declined.

In the mean time, some of the members of the Kings County
churches had made application to the Classis of Amsterdam to send
them a minister. The Classis did so. They sent Rev. Vinccntius
Antonides, who arrived in the country at the beginning of the year
1705, and was received and acknowledged by a portion of the con-
sistories. Rev. Mr. Freeman then claimed the position, by the civil
license. This was the commencement of a long and bitter strife.
Party spirit ran high, and sad acts of violence were committed. * In
consequence of this preliminary trouble, Dominie Freeman did not
arrive until 1705, when he was installed pastor of the Dutch churches

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

of Kings County. In the call to Mr. Freeman, we find the name
of the church of Bushwick included with the churches of Flatbush,
Flatlands, Brooklyn, and New Utrecht, for the first time. Rev. Mr.
Freeman was installed in November, 1705. The installation service
took place in the church at New Utrecht, and Rev. Mr. Du Bois
of New York preached the sermon. The difficulties continued.
For twelve years the cause of religion suffered, and the congregations
were perturbed by this distracting controversy.

Finally, the unhappy differences were healed. In 17 14, a reconcil-
iation took place, through mutual concessions. Delegates from Flat-
bush, Brooklyn, Flatlands, New Utrecht, Bushwick and Jamaica
were present. They unanimously agreed to receive both Dominie
Freeman and Antonides as their pastors. Both were to receive the
same salary — ^107 per year — to be furnished with suitable parson-
ages and sufficient firewood, and a lot of ground for pasture. Thus
this unhappy strife resulted in the settlement of two ministers
over the churches in Kings County, whose united services, in conse-
quence of the territorial extent of the charge and the growth of pop-
ulation, were needed. Both of these ministers enjoyed long pastor-
ships. Dominie Freeman was a man of extensive learning and
acquirements. He published, in r 721, a volume of sermons in the
Dutch language, entitled “The Ballances of God’s Grace.” The
copy of this work in the Sage Library has a portrait in it. He also
published a volume of moral precepts, translated from some of the
ancient philosophers, with the title “The Mirror of Self-knowledge.”
He was declared Emeritus in 1741, and died two years later, in
1743-

The successor of Mr. Freeman was Rev. Johannes Arondeus,
who was the colleague of Mr. Antonides about two years, or until
July, 18th, 1741, when the latter died, full of years and honor, in his
seventy-eighth year. A paper of his day, The New York Weekly Post
Boy , says : “ He was a man of extensive learning, of an easy, conde-
scending behaviour and conversation, and of a regular, exemplary
piety, endeavouring to practice himself what he preached to others ;
was kind, benevolent and charitable to all, according to his ability;
meek, humble, patriotic, and resigned under all his afflictions, losses,
calamities and misfortunes, which befell him in his own person and
family, and which were not a few ; and after a lingering disease, full
of «hopes of a blessed immortality, departed this life, to the great and
irreparable loss of his relations and friends, and to the great grief of
his congergation.” He left many descendants, some of whom reside
within the county.

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, , HEW UTRECHT \ D I.

Mr. Antonides was succeeded by Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderin.
The latter came over from Holland in the year 1746. Immediately
on his arrival and installation a difficulty arose between the pastors.
Dominie Arondeus took offence because Dominie Van Sinderin per-
formed a marriage service shortly after his arrival.

At this period, the whole Dutch Church in America was rent by
the unhappy controversy known as “ The Coetus and the Confcr-
entke,” The Conferentice party adhered to past usage, and insisted
that the work of educating and ordaining ministers and doing church
work belonged to the mother country. The Ccctus designated the
party who wished to educate and ordain ministers and do church
work in this country. The whole Dutch Church was agitated by the
discussion, and the churches of this county suffered in no small de-
gree. Congregations, and even families, were sadly divided. Mr.
Arondeus was, according to some records, a troublesome man. In
the civil and ecclesiastical records, he is referred to in an unenviable
manner ; and so long as he remained, the churches were involved in
difficulties. The grave charges of drunkenness and other crimes
were made against him, and he was cited to appear before the Coetus,
a Classis in this country. He declined, and replied that he refused
to acknowledge that body; but he ’syould be willing to communicate
with the Classis of Amsterdam. Sides were taken. Each party had
adherents. The ministers went so far as to declaim against each
other from the pulpit. In September, 1750, after a trial, the Coetus
deposed Mr. Arondeus, subject to the approval of the Classis of Am-
sterdam. This action was confirmed by the Classis of Amsterdam in
January (12th) of the following year. This declared that Dominie
Van Sinderin was the only lawful minister of Kings County. Into
the merits of that controversy we will not enter; happily the conflict
has long since passed away. The feeling, however, existed for several
generations.

A short time after the deposition of Dominie Arondeus, a call
was made upon Rev.. Anthonius Curtenius, who had been settled
over the Dutch churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, since
November, 1730. He accepted the call, and was installed over the
five churches in May (2nd), 1755. His ministry terminated in one
year and five months. He died, after a brief illness, Oct. 19th, 1756,
in the 59th year of his age. Notwithstanding the brevity of his la-
bors, he had made a good impression on the Long Island churches.
His efforts were directed to the healing of the differences among the
people, and removing the bitterness which the controversy between
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TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

the Ccetus and Conferentiae parties had caused. The following sen-
tences are from a Eulogy printed about the time of his death :

Concerning the blessed death of the Rev. Mr. Antonius Cur-
tenius, in his life the faithful pastor of the five united congregations
of the Netherland Reformed churches of Kings County, who on the
19th of October, at his residence in Midwout, rested in the Lord.
Iiis peaceable nature and inclination was known and seen, and it was
a subject of no doubt that he trusted reverently, with abiding faith, in
the promises of the Saviour. How earnest he was! His sorrowful
members must have been touched with his efforts for peace, which he
often insisted on, and his offers of friendship made without success.
* # # # * it is thus evident that his Reverence, during his

residence in these parts, and during the 26 years in his previous
position, stood as a peaceable and peace-making pastor, of blameless
behavior. * * * He maintained his tranquillity to the last; and,

in peace with God and all mankind, after a sickness of about 30 days,
he found a quiet death, exclaiming with his parting breath, “ O death,
where is thy sting ?” This caused uncommon sorrow to his beloved
congregations, his friends, but most of all to his afflicted family,
whose sole comfort was his glorious departure and happy death.

He was buried under the church in the village of Flatlands. He
belonged to the Confcrentite party, and was greatly grieved at the
treatment he received from the Ccetus party. His death, however,
was greatly lamented by all, who recognized that in his decease they
• had sustained the loss of an estimable shepherd and a devoted Chris-
tian.

In August, 1757, Rev. Johannes Casparus Rubel was called to
be the pastor of the Kings County churches, and was the colleague of
Dominie Van Sinderin until 1784, or until the close of the Revolu-
tionary War.

Mr. Van Sinderin was a Whig. . He was an earnest, active
preacher. In the pulpit he made many gestures. He became very
animated during the delivery of his discourses, so much so as to for-
get the limited space the pulpit allowed him. On one occasion, it is
said, being more animated than usual, he leaned a little too far over
the pulpit, and fell out. The story is that one of the deacons caught
him in his arms and said, “ Dominie, I have long expected you !”

Although an eccentric man, he was an earnest and practical
preacher, and, by the use of illustrations, served to make the truth so
plain that all could understand. In 1784 he was declared Emeritus,
and a small salary was paid him until his death. He died on his farm,
October 1st, 1803, and was buried in the village of Flatlands. Re-
cently a handsome stone has been erected over his grave by his de-

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REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, HEW UTRECHT \ L. I. Zg

scendants. It took the place of an old one, interesting because of the
following Dutch inscription : “ Hier legt het ligciiaem van den

WELEER WAERDE HEER, ULPIANUS VAN SlNDERIN, IN SYN LEEVEN

Predicant in Kings County. Overleeden den 23 Julii, 1796,

OUD ZYNDE 88, JAAREN 7, MOANDEN 12 DAEGEN.” His SOU was the

founder and first President of the Long Island Bible Society.

The number of public weekly services held in the churches before
the Revolution \vas greater than at present. The observance of Fast
days and the holidays — Easter, Whitsunday, and Christmas — was par-
ticularly attended to. The Call to Dominie Rubel, among other duties,
required him to preach twice on each Lord’s day, and also on every
Fast or Thanksgiving day, and on the usual Holy days, Christmas,
Easter, and Whitsunday, and once upon the day following ; likewise upon
New Year’s and Ascension day. Also a Preparation Sermon is to be
delivered at the places where the Lord’s Supper is next Sabbath to be
administered, which is to be dispensed four times a year, together
with pastoral visitation, admission of members, and catechising the
children.

Dominie Rubel was not successful in his work among the Ger-
mans, with whom he labored at Rhinebeck and Red Hook, before he
came to Kings County. He was styled by the German Coetus,
in 1755, “the rebellious Rubel,’’ and requested to resign his charge.
It is evident that his conduct was unchanged after he came to the
island, and became pastor of the churches of Kings County. He
was a man of good talents, but his life and preaching were lacking in
spiritual power. During the close of his pastorate, the war for Free-
dom began. Dominie Rubel openly espoused the cause of England
against the Patriots, and by his sermons from the pulpit and in his
conversation among the people, he denounced in the severest terms
all who took up arms for Independence. On one of the Fast days
appointed by Congress, Dominie Rubel preached at Flatbush, and
took as his text, “ Honor the king and said, in his discourse, that
people could live as well without a head as without a king. He went
so far as to call the soldiers of our army “the devil’s troops.” A num-
ber of families sympathized with his sentiments, but a large majority
of the people were Patriots. His conduct and disloyal sentiments
awakened opposition. Unfortunately, this disloyalty was not his only
sin. On account of drunkenness and the ill-treatment of his wife,
he was, in May, 1784, deposed from the ministry. He died in May,
1797, and was buried in Flatbush.

Shortly after the commencement of the Revolution, on the

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TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

22nd day of August, 177 6, the British troops took possession of this
portion of the island. They landed at Bath, near the foot of the
street on which the present church edihce stands. The battle of
Long Island was fought five days later, August 27th. At the ap-
proach of the enemy many of the families left their homes. Most
of them, however, returned again ; but public religious services in this
town were sadly interrupted during the war. Some families attended
church at Flatbush. As evidence of this we have a Pass given by
the British to allow one of our families on Sabbath to go through
their lines.

The church building was used at various times by the British, for
the different purposes of hospital and riding school. At the close of
the war, in 1783, it underwent considerable repairs, at a cost of five
hundred pounds (Continental money), and was devoted again to its
original purpose for forty-three years. ,

At the close of the war, in 1784, on the 5th of October, the six
Reformed Dutch churches made a call upon Rev. Martinius Schoon-
maker, of Gravesend and Harlem. They gave him a salary of ^150
a year, of which New Utrecht furnished ^24, as her share of the
salary and expenses. The work of Mr. Schoonmaker was greatly
blessed. By his indefatigable labors, and sympathetic and kind
manner among his people, he was, under God’s blessing, enabled to
restore the shattered congregations to unity ; while his devoted life
and earnest, spiritual preaching was instrumental in largely increasing
the numbers and efficiency of the members of the churches. He ap-
pears to have been a man raised up by God for the time, and the needs
of the Long Island churches, at that interesting yet critical juncture
of their history. At his death, the churches were left strong and
vigorous, and abounding in the work of the Lord. His memory is
still precious among the older members of these congregations.

Rev. Martinus Schoonmaker was born at Rochester, Ulster County,
in 1737. He studied the classics under Goetschius, from 1753-6, and
theology under Marinus. He was licensed to preach in 1765, and
was settled in Gravesend and Harlem from 1765 to 1783, when he
became the pastor of the Kings County churches.

During the Revolution he was an ardent Whig. So highly was
he esteemed, that the Congress in session at Harlem, on his word and
Statement, released a suspected Tory from arrest. Yet while his loy-
alty made him beloved by the patriots, he was dreaded by the
British, who sought to effect his capture. One Sabbath, while he was
pastor of Harlem and Gravesend, he preached in the morning in

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REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW UTRECHT \ L. I.

Brooklyn. After service he was quietly informed of a plot of the
British to arrest him as a spy, because he had been in the habit of
conveying letters from Harlem to the brethren on Long Island. He
used to sew them in his shirt, and on Saturday evening he ripped them
loose, and after service on the Sabbath quietly handed them to an elder
to distribute. The British had discovered this, and determined to
take him. No time was to be lost. The Consistory dispatched sev-
eral messengers on different errands — one to the Narrows, to have a
boat in readiness — -another to a relative, Mr. Williamson, of Flatbush,
for aid. The eider, Mr. Rapelje of Quipplebush, with whom he
staid, sent him on horseback, with his colored servant as a faithful
guide, to a designated point on the road between Flatbush and New
Utrecht. There he was met by. Mr. Williamson with a conveyance,
who drove him rapidly to the Narrows. Nor were they a moment too
soon ; for so closely did the Red-coats pursue, that when the Dom-
inie hastened on board, and the boat as quickly as possible was swung
out into the deep water, the bullets of the enemy whistled through the
sails. He was taken safely over to Harlem. Hue American troops at
that time occupied Harlem Heights. Afterwards he went up the
river to Rochester, Ulster County, where he remained for a long
time.

During his ministry, and that of his colleague, the change of
language from Dutch to English took place. This change was ren-
dered necessary by the desire of the young people, who were taught
English at school. It is said that Dominie Schoonmaker once at-
tempted to preach in English, but owing to his want of success he
never repeated the experiment. Toward the close of his life, when
he preached, he read the hymms in English. He possessed a vigor-
ous constitution. In his 8oth year, he said he could not complain of
a single bodily infirmity; even his sight was perfect. He continued
to preach in all the Dutch churches in the county until the year 1824,
when, on May 24th, he died, in his eighty-seventh year. “ He was a
person of reserved and retiring habits, yet so courteous and polite that
he won his way to the hearts of all. He was a good representative
of the clergyman of the old school.” He took an active part in ec-
clesiastical affairs, his name being frequently mentioned as a delegate
to the General Synod. His labors were great and blessed. He
came to his grave with a character unblemished. Few men have
been more widely respected and beloved. He and his colleague
were buried in Flatbush.

His colleague was Rev. Petrus Lowe. In 1787, a call was ex-

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TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

tended by the six congregations of Kings County to the licentiate,
Petrus Lowe. It was laid before the Synod, and Mr. Lowe, having
passed a satisfactory examination, was licensed to preach. His call
having been approved, he was installed October 27th, 1787. His
ordination took place in New Utrecht church, Saturday morning, and
the sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Schoonmaker. His installa-
tion took place in Flatbush the next day.

Rev. Mr. Lowe was born at Kingston, N. Y. From his early years
he was remarkable for his piety. An old barn in Kingston has always
been associated with Mr. Lowe, as the place where, when a lad, he
frequently went to pray. He studied under Dr. Livingston. Rev. Mr.
Van Pelt says of him : “ Fie was social in his disposition, pleasant and
friendly in his looks, agreeable and entertaining in conversation, having
the happy faculty of mingling gracefully pious reflections therewith.
Fie was modest and unassuming, ever seeking to be more alienated
from the world, and more fully conformed to Jesus. Hence, by those
unacquainted with him, his real powers were not at first appreciated.
H e was a man of industrious habits, and of a candid and liberal spirit.
He labored with fidelity and zeal, speaking to the heart and con-
science.”

Mr. Lowe had learned the art of book-making, which he turned to
a good account by gathering up and binding in a volume all the rec-
ords of the church that could be found. He erected two dwellings in
succession m Flatbush, and ornamented them with trees and flowers-
His garden was the place of meditation ; and while walking therein he
prepared many ol his sermons. One of his discourses has been print-
1 ed. On the icth of April, 1792, we find the following action. The
service being held in New Utrecht once in six weeks, it was resolved, in
United Consistory. That the service in the afternoon in Brooklyn, Flat-
bush and New Utrecht, should be in the English language, on the days
when Dominie Lowe should preach. From Mr. Lowe’s labors it is
apparent that he was a diligent minister, of a social disposition, and an
example to his people of humility and Christian affection. He died
of cancer, June 10th, 1S18.

During the ministry of Dominies Schoonmaker and Lowe, John
Van Kirk Van Nuyse was chorister. His successors in the office have
been Thomas Hegeman, Benjamin Larzelere, Mr. Ralph, Peter Roguet,
and Andrew Hegeman, who is our present chorister, and has held the
office since 1848.

I wish, at this point, to recall to mind, in order that they may not
be forgotten, a few of the ancient customs which have become obso-

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, \ NEV/ UTRECHT, L. 7.

lete. In the old church, the number of the first psalm was set with
movable figures suspended at the sides of the pulpit. These the clerk
properly arranged before service, so that every one might readily pre-
pare to sing. It was also the clerk’s duty to have an hour-glass prop-
erly placed near the minister at the commencement of the sermon, and
as the last grains of sand left the upper for the lower cavity, it was a
reminder that the time had arrived for the conclusion. Some preachers,
however, quietly allowed the sand to run out, and then informed
their audience, that as they had sat so patiently through the one, they
would proceed with a second. The collections during the service were
taken in velvet bags attached to the end of long poles, with a small
alarm bell fastened to the end. The best explanation I have heard
of the use of the latter, is that it indicated when contributions were
made. When a coin was given the bell rang ; if it passed through a
pew silently it showed that nothing had been contributed by the per-
sons in that pew. It required experienced dexterity to handle them
well, to avoid the pillars and the bonnets. Previous to 1.S02 there were
no stoves in the churches. The ladies were accustomed to bring their
footstoves, and to replenish them at a house near by. In simplicity of
manner and in want of many blessings we enjoy, our fathers wor-
shipped God, and truly found Him, as they waited in His courts.

In those days, when the ladies went out to spend the day or to
make an afternoon visit at the parsonage, they carried their spinning
wheels and flax with them. Among the old social customs was one
to furnish the persons invited to funerals, with tobacco, pipes, and
liquor— a custom which was sadly abused. This was happily aban-
doned about forty years ago. Funeral sermons do not appear to
have- been usual in our church in olden times.

About the year 180S, in consequence of the increase of population
in the various towns, and the increasing need of a separate pastor in
each town, the combination of churches which until then had existed,
was in form dissolved, although in some practical features it contin-
ued a few years longer. Dominie Schoonmaker continued to preach
in the different churches as long as he was able. In 1802, the
church of Brooklyn called Rev. J ohn B. J ohnson of Albany. Rev.
Mr. Schoonmaker took part in the installation service. In i8a3,
Rev. Peter Lowe became the pastor of the united congregations of
Flatbush and Flatlands, whom he served until his death.

In July, i8o}, a call was made by the church of New Utrecht on
Rev. John Beattie, D.D. The call was accepted, and in the follow-
ing year he was installed. Dr. Beattie was a native of Salem, Wash-

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

ington Co., N. Y. He had united with the Presbyterian Church under
Dr. Proudfit’s ministry. He received his preparation for college at
Kinderhook, and graduated at Union College, at Schenectady. He
studied theology under Dr. Livingston, and was licensed to preach
the Gospel in 1809. He labored for a time as a missionary in the west-
ern portion of this State and Canada, until he received the invitation
of this church to settle as their minister, where he remained twenty-
four years.

After the dissolution of the union of the churches, each church
carried on its separate work with greater vigor and blessing than be-
fore. The church of New Utrecht was not an exception. The at-
tendance upon the services increased, and many were added to its
membership “of such as shall be saved.”

In 1825, John Carpenter, M.D., organized the first Sabbath-school
in the town, in the village of Fort Hamilton, which held its sessions
in a barn. He was the founder of Sabbath-schools in New Utrecht.
Owing to the removal of Dr. Carpenter from Fort Hamilton, this
school was for a season discontinued. It was subsequently revived
by Moses Allen, of New York, and still continues. While under
Mr. Allen’s charge, the Fort Hamilton and New Utrecht village
schoolsjoinedthe Sabbath-schools of New York City in their anniver-
sary. At one of them, held in the old Castle Garden about fifty-one
years ago, this school, on the roll of the S. S. Union, numbered 63.
Mr. Allen’s successors have been Mr. Horton, Mrs. Sarah Berrier,
Mrs. Albert Van Brunt, Christopher Prince, M.D.,and J. Remsen Ben-
nett, who is the present Superintendent. The Assistant Superinten-
dent is Mrs. Wm. J. Cropsey.

In 1826, Dr. Carpenter, having removed to New Utrecht village,
organized the New Utrecht Sabbath-school in the old church. This
school continues to this day. Of this he was Superintendent until
his death. His successors were James Beekman, for a short time —
Charles Lott, who was Superintendent about 16 years, or until his
death — Thomas M. Hegeman,and Andrew Hegeman, who is the pres-
ent Superintendent. The Assistant Superintendent is Simon W. Du
Bois. An infant class was organized in connection with this school
in 1869, by Henry Holt. In 1827, Garret I. Cowenhoven organized
a Sabbath-school in Cowenhoven’s lane, which, after flourishing a
number of years, was discontinued. Fifteen years ago, the present
school at Edgewood was organized by Mr. John McKay, who con-
tinues its Superintendent. The Assistant Superintendent is Mr. James
C. Lott.

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW UTRECHT, L. /. 2$

For a few years the church increased in numbers and power. Mr.
Beattie was a man of industrious habits, and a good preacher. His
manuscript sermons show that he was a man of good natural ability.
But it appears he was indiscreet in manner, and, by attempting to man-
age the temporalities of the church, and by the introduction of poli-
tics in his discourses, he awakened opposition. Difficulties followed.
They were increased by his determined pressure of the project to build
a new church edifice. The walls of the old church were cracked, and
by some they were regarded as unsafe and likely to fall. A part of
the people favored the determination to build. But so great was the
veneration for the old edifice that a large number opposed its demo-
lition and were in favor of its repair.

The congregation became sadly divided. In 1828 the work of
demolition began, and the stones in the old building were used in the
construction of the new one. The site immediately in front of the old
academy was finally selected. But grave difficulties arose to impede
the progress of the work. The cost of the building was great, and
not all of the people favored it. Many contributed to their utmost,
and some even beyond their ability, to secure its completion. Eight
or ten persons subscribed five hundred dollars each. Then during
the process of its erection a violent north-east storm raged, and as the
workmen had neglected to cover the top of the walls, the mortar be-
came soaked, and they were weakened, and more than half of the
walls, which were ready for the plates, fell. In addition to this, dur-
ing the same year, serious sickness prevailed, and many of the lead-
ing subscribers died; so that, if the subscriptions had not been made
the previous year, the erection of the church would have been indefi-
nitely delayed. To assist in meeting the cost of building the new church
the pews were sold at auction, subject to an annual rental for the sup-
port of a minister. Conditions were made for the lapse of the pews to
the church, if the rental was not paid. Many persons purchased
pews, taking the majority of those in the body of the church and on
the sides of the pulpit, and many of those now under the gallery.
The sale amounted to a large sum, which greatly aided the work.
The church was completed and dedicated to the service of Almighty
God on Thanksgiving day, 1829. The persons who had the super-
vision of its erection were John Van Deventer and James Cropsey.

The difficulties in the church not being composed, Dr. Beattie re-
signed his charge March 8th, 1834, and removed with his family to
Lockport, N. Y., where he resided until his death, January 27th,
1864. The following minute appears on the books of the Classis of

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TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

Long Island, at the time of Dr. Beattie’s resignation, Oct 14th, 1834:
“ A joint application came before the Classis for the dissolution of the
pastoral relation. The application for the dissolution was granted, and
the Classis adopted the following: Resolved , unanimously, That this
Classis unite with the Consistory of New Utrecht in expressing their
regret at the circumstances which, in the providence of the Lord, has
led to the separation of the Rev. John Beattie from them as their pas-
tor, and, while they fervently pray that the Lord would pour out upon
them as a people the spirit of unity and peace, and speedily send them
another pastor after His own heart, to break to them the bread of life,
they would most affectionately commend to the churches of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ their beloved brother, the Rev. John Beattie,
as an able, faithful, zealous and successful minister of the New Testa-
ment, trusting that the great Head of the Church will soon appoint
him another field of labor, and continue him long as a blessing to His
church and people.” At the time of Dr. Beattie’s resignation the
church numbered 68 members.

After the resignation of Dr. Beattie, the congregation was without
a pastor about a year, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Robert
Ormiston Currie, D. D. Dr. Currie was a native of Hudson. N. Y.
He was a graduate of Rutgers College, and of the Theological Semi-
nary at New Brunswick. After graduation he was appointed rector
1 of the Grammar School in New Brunswick, wherein young men receive

their preparation for college. A call was made upon him, and he ac-
cepted it, and was ordained February 15, 1835. continued to
serve the congregation until his death — a period of over thirty-one
years. He happily healed the divisions of the people, and united the
members of the congregation. By his judicious course, he bound the
affections of the people to him, and strengthened their attachments to
the church. Under his ministry the church prospered. During his pas-
torate a chapel was erected in the village of Fort Hamilton, for the
accommodation of the Sabbath-school, and services were held there
on the last Sabbath afternoon of every month. A lecture room was also
erected in the village of New Utrecht. The number of sittings in the
church was also increased, by the erection of a gallery. The church
increased in her benevolent offerings, yet few comparatively were
added to the membership. The ordinances were regularly dispensed,
and waited on by the people. Some were added to the church,
and God’s children were instructed in the great doctrines of salvation.
He preached the word faithfully, yet no mention appears of any season
of religious interest during his ministry. Those who knew him well

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REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW UTRECHT, L. /.

have remarked that toward the close of his life he seemed to be
burdened by some great sorrow. It was, I doubt not, the burden
many a minister carries, and by which he is borne down, when the
truth he utters does not seem to result in the quickening of God’s
professed people, and the conversion of sinners. I feel almost author-
ized to state this as the cause of his sorrow ; for I remember to have
heard Dr. Howard Crosby, of New York, remark (in conversation),
that the last time he met Dr. Currie before his death, the latter placed
his arms around his neck and bursting into tears, said, “ I wish I could
see some more fruit of my ministry.” But the Lord had ordered
otherwise.

Still he did not relax his efforts of faith and prayer. Like. Paul
at Ephesus, he toiled on in public and in secret, even when his la-
bors appeared the most fruitless and unavailing. But the seeds he
cast were the seeds of God’s Kingdom ; the word which he preached
“ was quick and powerful.” Relying on the promise of God, “ they
that sow in tears shall reap in joy,” he continued faithful, in season
and out of season preaching the truth. He was a beautiful illustra-
tion of the patient toiler in his Master’s vineyard.

“ Sow thy seed ; be never weary,

Nor let fears thy mind employ.

Be the prospect ne’er so dreary,

Thou shalt reap the fruits of joy.”

After a season — as it always does — the seed of God’s word, pray-
erfully and faithfully sown, took root, and sprang up, and waved in
blessed harvest ; but he did not live to gather it. Like Moses, he
came to the distant view of the inheritance only. He lived to see
a little interest in spiritual things awakened among the young people
in the church, before he died. His last sermon in the church was
preached from the 14th verse of the Soth Psalm — “Return, we be-
seech thee, O God of hosts : Look down from heaven and behold and
visit this vine.”

Dr. Currie was a man of more than ordinary attainments, both of
a literary and theological character. He was an excellent classical
scholar. In ecclesiastical affairs, he took a prominent part, and in
church courts was looked upon as good authority on constitutional
questions. In debate, he was welcomed as a colleague and dreaded
as an opponent. In his pastoral work he was faithful and affection-
ate. He was kind, and at times humorous in manner, and without a
trace of arrogance or self-importance. He was a man widely re-

. --aoj :o ■■! •- -■ ' j

TIVO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

spected. In March, 1866, while he was, as usual, preparing to attend a
meeting of the Long Island Bible Society, he was taken with a severe
paroxysm of pain, under which he ruptured one of the small blood
vessels near his heart, and instantly expired. A tablet, with an in-
scription written by Dr. J. S. Lord, was erected in the church, to his

memory.

Rev. Mr. Van Buren says of him : “ He was a careful student.
He had mental traits which rendered him competent to distinguish
himself in any of the departments of learning. He was careful, can-
did, wise in counsel, a good adviser in ecclesiastical matters. An ex-
ample of punctuality in attendance, and of courtesy and propriety in

conference and debate with his ministerial brethren ; and as such he
is held in memory, esteemed and respected.

The sudden death of Dr. Currie produced a profound impression
upon the congregation and vicinity. Many persons were led by it to
serious 1 ejection. A blessed revival followed. Special meetings were
held for nine weeks. Although it was the spring-time, the people
found time for these services. They left their ploughs an hour earlier
than usual, in order that they might be at the place of prayer. At
these services Rev. Hugh S. Carpenter, D. D., Rev. C. L. Wells, Rev.
C. Brett, and others, greatly aided the work. The result was a large
ingathering of souls. The church had an accession of 69 on confes-
sion, in one year — a number equal to one-half of its former member-
ship. Many of the converts, in their examination for admission to
membership, referred to his sermons as the means whereby they were
brought to reflection. At his death the number of members was 137.

After the death of Dr. Currie, the church was vacant for a period
of fifteen months. The present pastor of this congregation — a grad-
uate of Rutgers College and of the Theological Seminary at New
Brunswick — first preached in this church by invitation, Nov. nth,
1866. In the following spring a call was made, and he was installed
on June 27th, 1867. He is the third pastor of this church since its
separate existence. The sermon on that occasion was preached by
Rev. Wm. Brush, of Bedminster, N. J., the charge to the pastor was
delivered by Rev. M. G. Hansen, of Gravesend, and the charge to
the people by the Rev. C. L. Wells, of Flatbush. Ten years have
passed away since I came among you. Of what has been crowded
into them, I purpose on this occasion only to make a brief mention.

The revival, which preceded my entrance upon the work, not only
added to the church membership, but it also increased its usefulness and
power. The hearts of all were warm, and, under the impulses of the

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, , NEW UTRECHT \ L. I.

Holy Spirit, were led to devoted effort for Christ’s cause, and to lib-
erality toward the work beyond our own bounds. Our church had
enjoyed a good reputation for liberality. What the amount of con-
tributions were before the time of which I speak, we have no means
of knowing. In the last ten years there has been raised over twelve
thousand dollars for benevolence outside of our own field, and the
congregation has raised thirty thousand dollars for improvements
in the church edifice and chapels, and the parsonage and congrega-
tional purposes. In the year 1869, a handsome stone chapel was
erected at Edgewood, by the generosity of some of the members of
the congregation, at a cost of six thousand dollars. A Young Men’s
Christian Association was organized in 1869. In the year 1875 an
addition to the church edifice, for the organ and choir, was completed,
at a cost of forty-seven hundred dollars. It was rededicated No-
vember 7th, 1875. In these ten years God has not left us without
tokens of His favor and blessing. No year has passed without bring-
ing accessions to the membership. In the early spring of 1876,
another gracious outpouring of the Hcly Spirit was enjoyed. Special
meetings were held during six weeks, and forty-seven were re-
ceived into church fellowship — forty-five of them upon confession of
their faith in Christ. The most of them were young people. Forty-
five members of the church have died during this period, all of them
dearly beloved, many of them pillars in the house of the Lord.
Many have been certified to other congregations, and now the church
numbers two hundred and forty-five members. To God be all the
praise.

The following is an extract from the last Annual Report of the
Consistory : “ By God’s blessing we come to our two hundredth year,

having a larger membership than ever before were identified with us.
The last indebtedness which had been incurred by the alterations of
the parsonage, and by the enlargement of the church, and the purchase
. of an organ, has been cancelled by the generous gifts of the people,
while the calls of benevolence have been met with liberality.” More
than one-half of the present members and supporters of the church are
the descendants of those who were its members and supporters before
the Revolutionary War. It is a gratifying fact to find that my ances-
tors were among them.

During the last one hundred years this church has given a num-
ber of her sons to the ministry of the Lord, and her daughters as
helpmeets to many clergymen. We mention the names of Rev.
George Barcalow, Rev. Peter Van Pelt, Rev. Philip Duryee, Rev,

■

TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY,

Hugh S. Carpenter, D. D., Rev. Charles H. Pool, and Rev. Charles
S. Wright. The last three occupy positions of usefulness ; the others
have passed away to their reward.

This is a sketch of the past two hundred years. Such has been
the ministry God has given you. This is a brief review of the histo-
ry of God’s care and love and faithfulness to this congregation since
its origin. For over one hundred and fifty years it was the only church
in the town. How much this church has blessed this town ! What
good it has done our families cannot be estimated in this world.
Whatever of truth and of sound theology and of early training in the
love of the right we possess, we are indebted most of all to her. Of
many it is written, “ This and that man were born there.”

But having already occupied much time, and perhaps exhausted
your patience, let me bring my discourse to a close with the presenta-
tion of two thoughts which the review of the past two hundred years
suggests. The path has not been all joyous. There have been al-
ternations of trials and triumphs ; yet goodness and mercy have fol-
lowed this congregation throughout all its history. “ The Lord hath
been mindful of his covenant.” He hath blessed us, and will He not
bless us still? If we seek Him, He will be found of us. If we are
faithful, He will not forsake us. He will “ look down from heaven,
and behold, and visit this vine.”

Let me mention two things which it appears God’s goodness to
this congregation in the past calls loudly for. One is, our entire
consecration to Him. The retrospect of the past, the thought of God’s
uninterrupted preservation and blessing, ought to lead all to a renew-
ed and fuller consecration of all we have and are unto Him who
loved us, and gave Himself for us. Some of you remember well all
the pastors, from Dominie Schoonmaker until the present. Could we
recall them for a brief season, and have them here once more to
speak to us some important message, we do not doubt their message
to us would be the same they so tenderly and earnestly spoke to you
years ago. “ Be ye reconciled to God.” “ Forsake not the assembling
of yourselves together .” “ Believe 071 the Lord J'esus Christ , and thou

shalt be saved.” “ Be thou faithful unto death , a?id I will give you a
crown of life.”

The other duty called for by this review is gratitude. Gratitude
for past mercies. Every one who is in any way connected with this
church, has reason to be grateful. The Church of our Fathers is our
church. This church, organized for the worship and service of God,
is no less effective because it is old; but, on the contrary, because of

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, \ NEW UTRECHT, L. /. ^

this fact, there is gathered around the name and the place associations
most dear, which are calculated, among the thoughtful and devoted,
to increase her power for good. When Israel had crossed the Jor-
dan, God bid them take stones from the midst of the stream and
erect a memorial as a sign ; and when their children said, “ What mean
ye by these stones ?” they should let their children know that Israel
had come over Jordan on dry land. And as we come up, by God’s
gracious guidance, out of a second century, we also should show to
our children that we have the spirit of our fathers ; and when the
children say, “ What mean ye by this service ?” the fathers may reply,
“ It was in grateful remembrance of the way in which God had led
our venerable church.”

One day, in yonder harbor, a person was observed in the w-ater,
and almost drowned, because he was unable to swim. A stalwart
man plunged in, and lifted him up and sustained him and brought
him to the dock in safety. He was saved, when it seemed that he
must have perished. He turned to his rescuer and asked, “ What
can I do to show my gratitude ?” He went to his home and related
to his family the story of his peril and his rescue. And it touched
their hearts and awakened the inquiry of the wife and of the children,
“What can we do to show our thankfulness ? ” How many of us
have friends and parents and children, who through the instrumental-
ity cf this Church of God have been rescued ; and shall we not ask,
“ What can we do to show our gratitude ?” If nothing more, it ought
to awaken every one to greater interest in the work of the Lord.
Two hundred years of such experience of God’s care and blessing
ought to confirm our faith in the Lord, in the fruitfulness of His
word, in the faithfulness of His promises. It ought to quicken every
one to earnest activity. Shall we be true to the faith of God ? Shall
we be true to the standard our fathers gave to us, on which, above
every other, is the name of Jesus ?

“ Let us learn from their example. In humble penitence and loving
faith; in steadfast loyalty to Christ Jesus; in pure, peaceable and pa-
tient continuance in every path of duty toward God and all men, let
us go forward and discharge the mission which God has committed
to our hands. And so, when another hundred years shall be added
to these, and we shall have gone the way of all the earth, to mingle
our dust with the dust of our fathers and mothers, shall our descend-
ants come to lay their tribute on our graves, and say, with filial pride,
‘They were faithful to us, as their fathers were faithful to them.’ ”

God grant it, for Christ’s sake. Amen.

ADDRESS

ON THE

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT.

TEUNIS G. BERGEN.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

At the request of your Pastor and Consistory, I have prepared
and will attempt to give, a condensed account of the annals of New
Utrecht in olden times, commencing at its foundation and ending
about the period of the Revolutionary War.

The first reliable account we have of the Bay of New York, on
which the town of New Utrecht is situated, is that of Hendrick Hud-
son, who, on a voyage of discovery in 1609, entered the same. The
lands about the Narrows, he states, “ were as pleasant with Grasse, and
Flowers, and goodly Trees, as ever they had seen, and very sweet
smells came from them.” The discovery of the Bay of New York by
Verrazzano, a Florentine in the service of the King of France, in the
spring of 1524, as set forth in our old histories, has lately been
clearly proved, by the Hon. H. C. Murphy, to be a myth, and
without foundation.

The first application for land in New Utrecht to the Director
General and Council of New Netherlands (as this country was then
called by Europeans), after the first settlements in the colony,
was that made by Antony Jansen van, or from, Salee, in Africa — a
banished settler of New Amsterdam — for 100 morgen, or 200 acres, on
the 3rd day of August, 1639; which was granted, and a patent issued
for the same, on the 27th of May, 1643. These premises were lo-

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

cated partly in New Utrecht and partly in Gravesend, as the town
boundaries are now fixed. He probably removed to these lands im-
mediately after the granting of his application, and was recognized as a
resident of New Utrecht shortly after its organization as a town — his
dwelling being located, as is supposed, at what is now known as
Unionville — and he was undoubtedly the first European settler who
occupied lands within the boundaries of this town and its neighbor,
Gravesend. The Van Sicklen and part of the Emmons family of this
locality are his descendants.

November 22nd, 1652, Cornelis Van Werckhoven, a member
of the West India Company — who, it may be said, were the European
proprietors of New Netherlands — purchased of the Indian proprie-
tors what is commonly known as the Nyack tract, extending along
the Narrows and Lower Bay, from the line between the farms late of
Albert N. Van Brunt and that late of Chandler White, to what is
known as Cortelyou’s Lane, or the road leading from the Bay near
the residence of John C. Bennett, to the village of New Utrecht.
Under this purchase a much larger tract was claimed — covering about
the whole town and a part of Brooklyn — which was finally narrowed
down to the above boundary. The price paid was, 6 shirts, 2 pairs
shoes, 6 pairs stockings, 6 adzes, 6 knives, 2 scissors, and 6 combs.
The intention of Van Werckhoven, under the regulations of the West
India Company, was to become a patroon, or feudal lord, over this
territory. One of the conditions imposed by the Company on their
large grants was, that the grantee should within four years place 100
settlers over 15 years of age on his premises. If Van Werckhoven
had succeeded in his attempt, the soil of New Utrecht would probably
to this day have been held by one family, and cursed with leasehold
tenures like unto that by the Rensselaers and others on the Hudson.

Van Werckhoven, shortly after his Indian purchase, commenced
settlement on his lands, returning to Holland in 1654, to obtain the
requisite number of settlers to entitle him to his feudal privileges,
leaving Jacques Corteljau, the private tutor of his children, to man-
age his affairs during his absence. Before leaving, he built a resi-
dence and secure retreat, enclosed with palisades, on his purchase,
sufficient to baffle any attack by the Indians. This was the second
house built in the town, and, as near as can be ascertained, was lo-
cated on the site of, and its walls are probably included within, the
present residence of John C. Bennett. Van Werckhoven did not
return to this country, dying in 1656, leaving a widow and two chil-
dren.

1.851,6/20

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT, \ 35

Corteljau’s management of the affairs of Van Werckhoven ap-
pears to have been unsatisfactory to the heirs, who, in 1658, petitioned
the Directors in Amsterdam to compel him to account and de-
liver over the property. To this Corteljau answered that in the first
place he ought to be paid the “ sums due him by writings, acts of
Notary Public, and advanced money.” The Directors directed and
urged Director Stuyvesant to attend to the matter ; but no settlement
appears to have been made. Corteljau remaining in possession, and
managing, after founding the town of New Utrecht, to hold the same
until after the conquest of the colony by the English, when he obtain-
ed from them a patent for the part he held. There is documentary
evidence showing that Van Werckhoven left debts which Corteljau
paid ; and it may be that his claims equaled the value of the proper-
ty. From a suit in 1658, it may be inferred that Van Werckhoven
erected a mill on his tract.

Corteljau having no means to procure the necessary settlers to
secure the whole of Van Werckhoven’s tract, in 1657 applied to the
Director General and Council for consent to found and lay out a town
on the same. His petition was granted on the 16th of January of
that year, on which day he proceeded to lay out 20 lots of 25 mor-
gens (50 acres) each, which were assigned to the following founders
who were desirous of making the settlement, and. to most of whom
patents were afterwards granted : •

JACQUES CORTELJAU.

NICASIUS DE SILLE,

(the Heer Councillor and Fiscaal).

PETER BUYS.

JACOB HELLAKERS, alias.

SWART (Swarthout).

JONCKHER JACOBUS CORLAER.

JOHAN TOMASSE (Van Dyck;.

RUTGER JOESTEN (Van Brunt).

PIETER ROELEFSEN.

CORNELIS BEEKMAN.

In addition to their farms, each settler had a village plot, for a
residence.

Of these 20 settlers, Van Brunt is the only one who has male de-
scendants now residiug in the town, and Corteljau, De Sille, Van

JOHAN ZEELEN.

ALBERT ALBERTSE (Terhune).
WILLEM WILLEMSE (Van Engen).
HUYBERT STOOCK.

PIETER JANSEN.

JAN JACOBSEN.

JACOBUS BACKER.

JACOB PETERSE.

CLAES CLAESSEN (Smit).
TEUNIS JOOSTEN.

HISTORICAL ADDRESS .

Dyck, and perhaps Terhune, are the only ones who have female de-
scendants among us.

The village and town was named New Utrecht, after Utrecht in
Holland, an ancient city on the Rhine, of near 48,000 inhabitants, of
which place Van Werckhoven held the office of schepen.

The first house erected therein was a small square one, of clap-
boards, removed by Jacob Hellakers (who was a carpenter) from
Gravesend.

De Sille, Van Brunt, and Peter Buys contracted, in November,
1657, with Hellakers, to erect for them dwellings. These houses were
completed in 1658; De Sille’s being 42 Dutch feet (39ft. 63^in. En-
glish) in length, and the first in the town which was covered with tiles.
This house was the old stone building south-east of the old church
edifice and burying-ground ; torn down in 1850, and last occupied
by Barent Wyckoff, who inherited the same from Rutgert W. Van
Brunt.

It was, with the surrounding grounds, sold at public vendue on
the 29th of March, 1674, by Adrian Hegeman of Flatbush, auctioneer,
by order of Nicholas Bayard, curator, or trustee, of Nicasius De
Sille and Catrina Croegers, his wife, to Rutgert Joesten Van Brunt —
the conveyance for which I hold in my hands and exhibit. This con-
veyance is in a good state of preservation, is three years older than
the date of the church orgainzation whose anniversary we are now
celebrating, and is dated only seventeen years after the first settlement
of this village.

De Sille was an educated man — unfortunate in his latter days —
who wrote the early records of this town from its foundation to De-
cember 15th, 1660, from which I have gleaned much that I give you,
and whose beautiful penmanship is probably superior to that of any
one of the assemblage now before me.

In the war in 1659 with the Esopus, or Kingston Indians, the
settlers, having the Nyack Indians in their immediate vicinity, and
fearing a general rising among the Long Island tribes, became alarm-
ed for their safety. As a place of refuge they fortified De Sille’s
house by surrounding it with palisades, and kept a strict watch.

About this period Nicasius de Sille, the Fiscaal of the colony, was
appointed schout, or sheriff, of the town, and Jan Tomasse (Van
Dyck) sergeant.

In 1660, Jan Tomasse (Van Dyck) and Jacobus Van Curler were
appointed overseers (magistrates) of the town ; at which period there
appears to have been 1 1 dwelling houses in the village.

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT.

February 6, 1660, Petrus Stuyvesant, the Director General, and
the Fiscaal De Sille visited the village, on which occasion the inhabi-
tants hoisted the Prince’s flag on a high pole in the center of the set-
tlement, and Rutger Joesten (Van Brunt) gave a public entertain-
ment. This was the first banquet and flag-raising in the place of
which we have any account.

February 23d, 1C60, the Director General and Council ordered
the village to be enclosed with palisades, a block house to be built
in the center thereof, and to cut down the trees within gunshot, to
prevent, in case of attack, the Indians from skulking behind them.
Also to make provision for a mill and public pound.

In the same month a general proclamation was issued, ordering
those who resided in separate dwellings outside the villages to aban-
don and destroy or unroof them, and to remove to the villages for
protection. Albert Albertsen (Terhune) who hired the plantation of
Cornelis Van Werckhoven, for disobeying the order, was fined, on
the 19th of August, 50 guil., and ordered to stand committed until the
fine was paid.

In October of the same year, in consequence of one of the vil-
lagers having done amiss — to frighten the vicious and encourage the
virtuous — the Fiscaal furnished a half dozen shackles, with an iron rod
and good lock. About this date, the Fiscaal, Jan Van Cleef, and
Titus Syrax — for the accommodation of the inhabitants — bought of
Jacob Wolfertse Van Couwenhoven, ahorse mill, with its appendages.

On the 2 2d of December, 1661, a court of justice, consisting of a
sellout and three commissaries, was appointed for the town, with
criminal and civil jurisdiction; allowing an appeal in judgments ex-
ceeding 50 guil. to the Director General and Council. Of this first
court, Adrian Hegeman, of Flatbush, was appointed schout, and Jan
Tomasse (Van Dyck), Rutger Joesten (Van Brunt), and Jacob
Hellakers, commissaries.

In the year 1663, Thompson, in his History of Long Island, says,
one of the clergy of New Utrecht was accused of having married him-
self, while he had another wife living. He alleged, by way of ex-
cuse, that his first wife had eloped without any just cause, and being
minded to take another, he considered he had as good a right to exe-
cute the ceremony for himself as for any other person. This reason-
ing failed to satisfy the court, who declared the marriage void, and
fined the delinquent 200 guilden, or 40 beaver skins ; and also 40 guild-
en more, for his insolence and impertinence to the court. There being
no clergyman that we have any account of residing at this period in

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

the town, the delinquent — if there is any truth in the story — may have
been the schoolmaster.

In 1663, while Director Stuyvesant and the colony were engaged in
a new war with the Indians at Esopus, and there was danger of a gen-
eral rising of the Long Island savages, the English towns on the is-
land revolted, and endeavored to unite themselves with Connecticut,
whose people were noted for their efforts to pilfer the territory of their
Dutch neighbors. An arrangement was finally made with Connect-
icut, by Stuyvesant, to refer their difhculties to their superiors in Eu-
rope. Contrary to the arrangement, the towns of “ Hempstede, Gem-
aco, Newtown, Oysterbay, and Gravesend” entered into a consolida-
tion, as they termed it, to manage their own affairs, -without the assist-
ance of Connecticut or New Netherlands. They employed Capt.
John Scott, an unprincipled adventurer, to act as their president. He
proclaimed Charles the Second to be their “ dreade sovereign,’7 and
set out, with 70 or 80 horsemen, and 60 or 70 foot, to reduce the
Dutch towns. He first marched to Breukelen (Brooklyn) ferry, where
he addressed the wondering inhabitants in English — of which they
understood not a word — and hoisted the English flag. Here he was
met by Secretary Van Ruyven, who invited him to drop over and see
Director Stuyvesant; which he declined, threatening, if Stuyvesant met
him, he would run his sword through him ; which Van Ruyven said
would not be a very friendly act.

After making considerable disturbance among the residents, he
marched to Midwoud, or Flatbush, where his tumultuous conduct
was such as to cause the peaceable inhabitants to look on with amaze-
ment. They next proceeded to New Utrecht, where Scott mounted
the block house and harangued in English ; but all that the listeners
could understand was, “ this country and all America, from Virginia
to Boston, belongs to King Charles.” When in the block house, he
upset the little cannon and its carriage, which was mounted therein,
which his men afterwards, by his orders, remounted in another port-
hole, in the king’s name, which he called the King’s Port, and fired
a salute. He required the magistrates to submit to the king’s authori-
ty, which they refused to do ; on which he threatened to punish them.
An Englishman from Hempstead Plains, in searching for one Matthys
Pickstaert, entered the house of Rutger Joesten Van Brunt, threaten-
ing to run through with .a sword Tryntje Claes, his wife, unless the
man was produced.

Scott also visited Amersfoort, (Flatlands) ; but all his efforts to
induce the Dutch towns to acknowledge his “dreade sovereign,” fail--

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT.

ed ; they being loyal to their fatherland and not relishing Puritanical
intolerance or English interference ,

The effect of these outrages was to produce confusion and contin-
ual bickerings between the Dutch and English settlers, which contin-
ued until a squadron, under Col. Nicolls, on the 8th- of December,
1664, made its appearance in the harbor, and, with the assistance of
forces from New England and the English towns on the Island, in
the name of the Duke of York conquered the colony. This shameful
conquest was made at a time of peace between England and Holland,
and resembles an act of piracy more than an honorable act of war.
Not satisfied with this, they, crowned their iniquity by selling some of
the Dutch soldiers who were taken prisoners, as slaves in Virginia.
In this barbaric act our Puritan neighbors (who where in the habit
of selling all captured Indians for slaves), may be said to have par-
ticipated. Two hundred years ago, the ancestors of the men who
had so holy a horror of negro slavery (which cannot be justified), sold
not only negroes and Indians, but also white men. If slavery is a
deadly and unpardonable sin — as lately maintained by some — where
are the souls of these ancestors now?

Under the English government, the state was divided into shires
and ridings, of which the towns of Kings County, Staten Island and
Newtown, constituted the West Riding of Yorkshire.

In June, 1665, New Utrecht was directed to furnish 300 palisades,
13 feet in length — her quota for the defence of the City of New
York.

At this date, Beef sold for 2d., Pork for 3^., and Butter for 6d. per
pound. Wheat was 5^., Rye 2 s. 6d ., and Corn 2 s per bushel. Vict-
uals, 6d. per meal. Labor, 2 s. 6d. per day. Lodgings, 2 d. per night.
Board, 55-. per week. Beer, 2d. per mug. These prices varied but
little during the next twenty years.

On the 15th of August, 1 668, Gov. Nicolls issued a patent to the
town, in the usual form.

In March, 1672, England and France declared war against the
Netherlands. On the 23d of July, 1673, during this war, Evertsen and
Bincks, with a Dutch squadron, arrived in the Lower Bay, and on the
30th of July, the City of New York and the province were surrendered
to them, to the great joy of the Dutch settlers, whose experience of
the English government was not very satisfactoiy.

Under the new government, Thomas Jansen, Hendrick Matysen
(Smack), Jan Thomasse (Van Dyck), and Jan Van Deventer were
appointed schepens of New Utrecht.

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

On the 29th of August all the men of New Utrecht, 41 in number,
took the oath of allegiance to the -Netherlands.

On the 1st of October the Governor General and Council, among
other instructions, ordered the sheriffs and magistrates of towns to
“ take care that the Reformed Christian Religion be maintained in
conformity to the Synod of Dordrecht, without permitting any other
sects attempting any thing contrary thereto.”

The colony remained under its Dutch rulers until the 10th of No-
vember, 1674, when it was finally surrendered unto the English, in
pursuance of the provisions of the treaty of Westminster.

In 1675, the dwelling-house of Jaques Corteljau and the greater
part of the village of New Utrecht were destroyed by fire. On the 1st
of May of said year, Andross, the English Governor, issued a recom-
mendation to the magistrates of Brooklyn, to request the people of
their town to assist Corteljau with one day’s work in rebuilding his
house, and also to assist his neighbors in the town of New Utrecht in
their present distress. Fifty scheples of winter wheat and 58 scheples
of peas were purchased by the justices, of Daniel de Haert, for the
use of the inhabitants, who probably lost most of their grain by the fire,
and were in danger of starvation.

November n, 1779, same dwelling-house (or the one erected
on its ruins) was again destroyed by fire ; it then being owned by
Isaac Cortelyou, and the lower part used as a bakery by the 33d British
Regiment. The fire accidentally occurred in consequence of a
part of the 71st British Regiment landing some of their sick, and kin-
dling fires in the building, it being a very windy day.

About this same period (1675), in consequence of the fear of an
Indian war — especially on the part of the Long Island Indians — the
Governor required a strict watch to be kept, suspicious actions on the
part of the Indians to be reported, and in localities where no block
house, or stronghold, existed, the same to be erected as a refuge for
the wives and children of the settlers, and the wives and children of
the friendly Indians, with whom good faith should be kept.

In 1679 and 80, Peter Sluvter and Jasper Dankers, two educated
and speaking members of a sect known as Labidists — an offsprout from
the Dutch Reformed Church — visited this country in search of a loca-
tion to found a colony. Among their fellow passengers were Garret
(Van Duyn) the rademaaker, or wheelwright, a former residentof New
Utrecht, and Jan Tuenissen (Van Dueyckhuysen), of the Bay, or
Flatlands. On the vessel entering the Narrows, it was boarded by
the Nyack Indians, from a canoe.

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT.

After spending some days in New York, the travelers, under the
guidance of Garret the rademaaker, passed through Brooklyn and
Gowanus to the west end of the Island, called Nyack, where they
found the plantation of the Nyack Indians, on which there was grow-
ing maize, or Indian com. They found the whole tribe, consisting
of seven or eight families, dwelling in one house, about 60 feet long,
14 or 15 wide, and so low that they could hardly stand up in it — the
sides and roof being made of reeds and the bark of trees. They had
domestic animals, such as dogs, poultry, and swine — which they had
learned from the Europeans how to keep — and had peach trees full of
fruit. For a more full account of these Indians, I would reter you to
the Hon. H. C. Murphy’s interesting translation of the journal of
those Labidists.

From Nyack the party proceeded to the land of Jacques (Cortel-
jau), which they found fruitful, and then to his house. They found
him an old man, who had studied philosophy, a mathematician and
land surveyor, who spoke Latin and good French ; but the worst of it,
they said, was his being a Cartesian, a follower of Descartes.

They went to the village of New Utrecht, a half hour’s walk
from his house, which was almost entirely rebuilt since the fire, and
several fine stone buildings erected. They spent the night in Jacques’
bam, on some straw spread with sheepskins, and in the midst, they
said, “ of such a constant grunting of hogs, squealing of pigs, bleat-
ing and coughing of sheep, barking of dogs, crowing of cocks, cack-
ling of hens, and especially of such a quantity of fleas — and these with
the barn doors open, through which a strong north-west wind had
a passage — that we could not sleep ; but we could not complain, as we
had the same chamber as his own son usually slept in.” The small-
pox was at this period raging in the vicinity — two of Jacques’ children
being prostrated with it in his house — which accounts for their poor
accommodation. They entered one house where there were two
children lying dead ; one had been buried the week before, and three
others were then sick.

They afterwards visited Do. Van Zuuren, who, they say, was a
Cocceian, “ a plain, companionable man, who mixed freely with his
people, and sympathized with them in their labors.”

On another occasion they met the Dominie at Flatlands, whom they
found “ chatting and gossiping with the farmers while they talked
about worldly things, without giving them a single word of reproof,
or about God, or religious matters. It was all about houses, and cat-
tle, and hogs, and grain.” The persecution of the Labidists by the

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

mother church in Holland would naturally tend to cause them to be
prejudiced against her ministry; hence their unfavorable opinion of
Van Zuuren.

On the 13th of October, 1685, at a meeting of the Council, the
quit rent of New Utrecht was fixed at six bushels of good winter
wheat, to be delivered in New York. This quit rent continued to be
paid probably until the Revolution; after which, in 1786, the Super-
visor of the town paid the State Treasurer ^33 15s. in full for arrears,
and as a commutation for future quit rents.

May 13th, 1686, Gov. Dongan granted a new patent to the
town. In September, 1687, fifty-two individuals — probably all the
adult males in the town — took the oath of allegiance to the British
crown.

The principal business of the farmers was the cultivation of grain
and tobacco, and the raising of cattle, which required large farms.
Being straitened for room, in consequence of the increase of their fam-
ilies, and the arable land in the county being all taken up, at this period
commenced the emigration from Kings County to the adjoining
provinces; East New Jersey being the favorite locality, from which
Monmouth, Somerset and Middlesex counties are filled with the de-
scendants of our early settlers.

In those days luxuries had not attained a foothold; a few pewter
plates and dishes for the table, stools, and benches, a chest or two,
and bed, and no carpets, constituted the main furniture of their
houses. Their farms and the surrounding forests and waters furnished
their food. The fruits, sweets and spices of the tropics were generally
unknown, and their clothing was mainly the production of their farms,
manufactured at home. They were noted for their integrity, and in
their simple habits were as happy and contented, if not more so, than
we are with all our luxuries.

On the dethronement of James the Second, and the securing of the
throne of England by William of Orange and Mary, Nicholson, the
Governor, who was suspected of being a Papist, fleeing, the mili-
tia took possession of the City of New York and fortifications, and
the inhabitants elected a Committee of Safety, who proclaimed Wil-
liam and Mary, and induced Jacob Leisler to act as Lieutenant Gov-
ernor. Leisler, having come to the country as a common soldier and
risen to wealth and distinction by his own efforts, was opposed by the
aristocratic or old wealthy families, who had been in the habit of as-
sociating with the titled Governors, and basking in their sunshine.

The cb untry was thus divided into two factions, who bitteriy op-

ANNALS OF NE IV UTRECHT,

posed each other. On the arrival of Governor Sloughter, in March,
1691, he sided with the aristocratic faction, who were determined on
the destruction of Leisler. Through their machinations, Leisler and
many of his adherents were seized and imprisoned, and tried for
treason. Leisler and his son-in-law Millbourne were found guilty and
unjustly executed, and their property confiscated — which latter penalty
was afterwards reversed by the government of the mother country'.
The court at the same time condemned Myndert Ivorten, of New
Utrecht, to suffer death and confiscation of property. Korten had
been one of Leisler’s adherents, and held the office of High Sheriff of
the county under him. My sympathies, as you perceive, are with
the followers of Leisler, of whom my ancestor, Michael Hansen Ber-
gen, was one. Those of Mr. Sutphen, my pastor, appear to be with
his opponents.

In July, 1692, Do. Varick, the pastor of the Dutch churches of
Kings County, and Jacques Corteljau, petitioned the Governor against
Korten, and requested that Joost De Baene be retained as school-
master and reader, or prelector, of the church, he having been re-
moved for refusing to side with Korten and Leisler.

They accused Korten of leading troops from New Utrecht to the
fort in New York, for Leisler. Myndert Korten and Gerardus
Beakman, of Flatbush, after being imprisoned in the City of New
York more than seventeen months, on petition for pardon, were finally
released on the 15th of March, 1694, and escaped the doom which
their enemies desired to impose upon them.

On the 8th of November, 1692, the Court of Sessions ordered a
good pair of stocks and a good pound made in every town in Kings
County. The stocks in New Utrecht, some 50 years ago, were located
on the southerly side of the main road in the village, nearly op-
posite to the site of the old district school-house. On one occasion,
one of the dominies of Flatlands found the missing wheels of his
wagon fastened in the town stocks.

At a militia training on the plains, in Flatlands, in 1693, Captain
Jacques Corteljau being in arms at the head of the New Utrecht
company, Arian Hageell, of Bushwick, said to the people present, in
Dutch, u Slaan wy der onder , wy zyn dric tegen een ” — in English,
“ Let us knock them down ; we are three to they- one.” For these
seditious words he was tried by the Sessions, and fined twenty shil-
lings.

At the Sessions in 1696, the Grand Jury indicted a negro named
ComeinjJ, belonging to Myndert Korten, for breaking the Sabbath

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

by ploughing. Comeinj[ confessed his guilt, was fined six shillings,
and ordered committed to the custody of the sheriff until his fine was
paid.

A deputy sheriff being sent to Korten’s to execute the order, Kor-
ten interposed, locked his doors, protected the offender, and said
“ he would not obey, neither did he value any of their orders.” This
being reported to the court, the sheriff was ordered to take Korten
into custody and hold him until he gave bonds for his good beha-
vior and appearance at the next Sessions.

The members representing this town in the Hempstead Assembly
of 1665, were Jacques Corteljau and Balthazer Vosch, Jun.

The first constable after the English conquest, on the records, is
Hendrick Matysen Smack, in 1669.

The first opziejider, or overseer, of which any account has been
seen, is Luykes Mayerse, in 1672.

The first member of the Governor’s Council, a resident of this
town, is Jacques Corteljau, in 1675 ; who in the same year appears
to have been the first resident who held the office of justice of the
peace.

The office of town clerk was instituted by Gov. Andross, on the 3d
of May, 1679; but there is no account of any one holding the office
in this town earlier than Joost de Baene, in 1686.

The first assessors on the records are Myndert Korten and Jan
Hansen (Van Nostrand), in 1687.

The first resident of the town representing the county in the State
Assembly, was Myndert Korten, in 1698.

The first resident of the town who was first Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas of the county, was Comelis Van Brunt, in 1716;
and the first Assistant Judge was Peter Corteljau, in 1702.

On the first organization of a Board of Supervisors in the county,
in 1703, Joost Van Brunt was chosen to represent the town ; previous
to that dote, the county business was managed by the justices of the
peace and sessions.

The first commissioners of highways on the town records are
Aert Van Pelt and Andries Emans, in 1721.

Among the deputies sent from the county to the Provincial Con-
gress of the State of New York in 1775, to oppose British aggression,
was Denyse Denyse of New Utrecht.

May 9, 1704, the Court of Sessions ordered “ that no towne laws
or orders be brought into this court in Dutch, or any other language
than English.” In 1705, the county expenses w'ere ^146. 12 s. gd.

• '

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT.

January 19, 1708, Joris Green and Jacobus Woutersen walked
on the ice from Staten Island to Long Island. This feat has been
performed in my day by Colonel Church.

April 26, 1714, Jacques Corteljau petitioned the Governor to be
excused from serving as constable, to which he had been chosen, in
consequence of his being unacquainted with the English language.

At the Court of Sessions of May 10, 1715, the Grand Jury indicted
Hendrick Hendrickson, Jaques Tunisen (Denyse), Hendrick Emans,
Wm. Boyle, and George Andresson, of New Utrecht ; John Ver Kerk,
of Flatbush; Jacob Van Dyck, and Evardus Brower, of Brooklyn;
Abm. VanTuyle, Jochim Van Ilamen, Barent Marelius, Abm. Mare-
lius, Abm. Lake, John Lake, Andries Bouman and John Duriand, of
Staten Island, with other disturbers unknown, to the number of 30
persons, for assembling in the latter part of June last past, with arms,
& c., at New Utrecht, assaulting and wounding Joost Van Brunt, so that
his life was despaired of; also for entering and breaking his close and
cutting down and carrying away about 30 acres of his corn growing
on the same. It does not appear what Van Brunt had done to of-
fend these parties ; but it may have been caused by a dispute in re-
lation to the shad fisheries.

From a receipt on the church books, of October 3, 1724, of J. M.
Sperling for salary, it may be inferred that he was at this date school-
master of the town and precentor of the church.

In these modern days, the feat of persons crossing the East River
on the ice occasionally occurs. In 1752, it was so frozen that a team
of horses and sleigh passed over.

In 1760, the share of the town of the county expenses was £7
2 s. 7 T/yd.

About this period, a watch was kept at what was known as the
Beacon, located, as near as can be ascertained, on the high grounds in
the rear of Fort Hamilton, to give notice of the arrival of vessels —
an invasion by a French fleet being feared.

From early in May until November, in 1762, no rain fell on Long
Island — the most remarkable drought ever known in this country —
which caused great distress.

February 2, 1786, the mercury was 240 below zero, on Fahrenheit’s
thermometer.

Until the Revolution, Dutch as well as English was taught in the
schools.

Previous to the Revolution, a large portion of the travel from New
York to Philadelphia passed through Kings County to Yellow Hook

■

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

and the Narrows, thence by ferries to Staten Island, crossing from
the latter place to New Jersey, at the Blazing Star, near Rossville.

The first clergyman who officiated in Kings County was the Rev.
Theodorus Polhemius. The second — who officiated in all the organ-
ized county churches — was the Rev. Casparus Van Zuuren, the Rev.
Henricus Selyns having been previously called to officiate in Brooklyn
alone. Van Zuuren organized a church in New Utrecht, in October,
1677 — two hundred years ago — ordaining as elders thereof, Jan
Gysbertse and Myndert Kcrten, and as deacons, Arien Willemse
(Bennet) and Jan Hansen (Van Nostrand).

The first collection for the benefit of the church in New Utrecht,
of which we have any account, was made in Flatbush in 1677, at
which 16 guilders — $6.40 — were received. The collection at the
first preaching in New Utrecht after the organization of the church
was 27 guil. and 7 stuyvers.

The temporalities of the church appear to have been managed until
1722 entirely by the deacons ; and after that date by churchmasters.
The accounts of the one holding the funds appear to have been annually
audited, and the balance in his hands passed over to his successor.

In 1707, 530 guil. — or $212 — were paid for two cups for the
communion service ; which possibly may be the old silver ones now
in use.

At the organization of the church by Do. Van Zuuren, there were
27 members, who probably were received by Do. Polhemius; and
during Van Zuuren’s ministry 40 more were added. These comprised
more than 26 families, of whose male descendants we have at present
only left Van Nostrands, Van Pelts, Van Cleefs, and Van Brunts.

On the organization of the church by Do. Van Zuuren, the follow-
ing residents of the town were communicants, having probably joined
while Polhemius was in charge :

Jan Hansen (Van Nostrand) and Marritje, his wife.

Myndert Kortcn and Maria Praa, his wife.

Daniel Vorveelen and Alida Schaatz, his wife. Removed to
Gravesend.

Jan Gysbertsz (died).

Wellemje. Removed to Bergen.

Neeltje.

Arie (Adriaen) Willemsze Bennet and Agnietje Van Dyck, his wife.
Removed to Brooklyn.

Jan Pietersz Van Deventer and Maria, his wife.

Tryntje Van Dyck.

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT, \

Gysbert Tysz Van Pelt and Jannetje Adriaans, his wife.
Adriaantje.

Joost Du Wien and Magdalena Du Wien, his wife. Removed to
Newtown.

Pieter Veritie. Removed to Staten Island and Bergen.

Jean Du Pre. Removed to Staten Island and Bergen.

Nicolaas Du Pre. Removed to Staten Island and Bergen.
Lourens Jansen and Aaltje Gillis (De Mandeville), his wife.
Mother of Joost Du Wien.

Annetje Bocquet.

Magdalena Van Pelt.

The following additional persons became members during Do. Van
Zuuren’s ministry : —

September, 1677. Adriaantje Jans Van Deventer.

December, 1677 . — Jan Van Clcef.

“ “ Kryn Janssen (Van Metcren).

u “ Hans Harmcnsc (Van Earkeloo) and Willemtje

(Waermerse), his wife. Removed to
Bergen.

August, 1680. — Careljansz Van Dyck and Lysbeth Aard, his

wife.

January, 1679. — Henderick Jansz Van Dyck and Jannetje Har-

mans (Van Barkeloo), his wife.

June, 1678. — Hendrick Matysen Smack and Grietje Har-

mans, his wife.

“ “ Tileman Jacobsz Vander Myen and Tryntje

Haggaus (widow of Jan Thomase Van
Dyck).

March, 1679. — Neeltje Corteljau.

Pieter Janse Van Deventer.

Zwaan, the Negro, and Christine, his wife.
Garret Comelissen ( Van Duyn) of Geele Hook,
and Jaeomina Jacobs (Swarts), his wife.
Jan Kierse of Geele Hook, and Hendrikje
Stephens (Van Voorhees), his wife.
Engeltie.

Lawrens Juriaans of Geele Hook, and Kunisa
(Pieters) of Geele, his wife.

Jan Jansz Van Dyck and Tryntje Tyssen
Van Pelt, his wife.

Jean Clement (of Geele, or Yellow Hook).

July.

June.

July.-

HISTORICAL ADDRESS,

October, 1681. — Roeief Jansz Verkerck and Catharine Simons
(of Geele Hook), his wife.

“ “ Gerret Stoffelsen and Lysbeth Cornells, his wife.

January, 1682. — Pieter Hardenbroeck (of Geele, or Yellow
Hook).

December, " Hendrick Jansz and Gertje Verkerck, his wife.

“ “ Barendje Verkerck.

December, 1682. — Jansz Vander Ween and Maatje Comelis, his
wife.

“ “ Comelis Wynhard and Ann, his daughter.

Removed to Hackensack.

March 23, 1685. — Jan Thysz.

“ “ Joost Rutgersz (Van Brunt).

“ “ Comelis Garretz.

Of the male descendants of these persons, we have left among us
only Van Nostrands, Van Pelts, Van Cleefs, and Van Brunts — our
Bennets not being descendants of Adriaen Willemsze.

At Flatbush was erected the first Reformed Dutch church on Long
Island; commissioners being appointed for the purpose on the 17th
of December, 1654, and the building finished in 1660. The second
was commenced in Idatlands, in 1662 ; the Director General and
Council assisting them, June 7, 1663, with 250 guil., in beavers.
The third was commenced in Brooklyn, in 1666. The fourth in New
Utrecht, in 1700. The fifth in Jamaica, in 1701 or 2. The sixth in
Bushwick, about 1705. The church in Gravesend (as per Prime’s
History of Long Island) was commenced in 1700 — but personally I
have seen no account of the Gravesend Dutch church in the ecclesi-
astical records earlier than 1714. In 1678, a parsonage was built in
Flatbush, for Van Zuuren, at a cost of 5,585 guil., or $2,324, of which
New Utrecht paid 600 guilders.

The surplus funds of the church appear to have been loaned on
bonds ; and for purposes of revenue, the early churches of this county
appear to have owned cows, which were let out to individuals, gen-
erally at about 12 guil., or $4.80, a year. Fees for burial in the
body of churches, in church-yards, and the use of the pall, were
among the sources of revenue.

To supply the scarcity of religious books, on the 6th of March,
1679, the deacons of “ Midwoud ” collected 600 guil. ; of 11 Amers-
foort,” 300 guil. ; and of “ Utrecht ” 200 guil, wampum value ; and,
in addition, various sums contributed by private individuals ; all of
which was expended in the importation from the Netherlands, of

ANNALS OF NEIV UTRECHT.

Bibles (in folio and octavo), New Testaments, Psalm-books, Prayer-
books, Catechisms, ABC books, &c.

The first church in New Utrecht was erected in 1700. The
account of the deacons, on the 19th of October, 1699, showed a bal-
ance in hand of 6,426.51. n st. ; of December of the same year, of
loans called in and collections, 3,737 gl. : making a total of 10,163
guil. On the 27th of January, 1701, the balance in the hands of the
deacons was 2,744 guil., showing a diminution of 7.419 guil., which
was most probably expended on the new church. Persons were liv-
ing a few years ago, and may be yet, who recollect having seen the
figures 1700 cut in one of the stones on its front. There is no ac-
count left on the church books of the sums paid formatcrials or to in-
dividuals, or of the total cost of the building. On the 27th of January,
1701, among the disbursements of that month, on the church books,
is an entry of 786 guil., or $314.40, paid for a bell — which I suppose
is the bell at present in use.

In some of the early churches the dram was beaten to call the
congregation together. This was the case — it may inferred — at one
period in Flatlands; for as late as 1683 that church paid twelve guil-
ders for two skins for the drum.

The first church in New Utrecht was located in the south-east-
erly angle of the present burying-ground in the village. It was of
octagon shape, with side walls of boulders, or field stone, and steep
shingle roof, surmounted with a belfry and bell over its centre; the
building somewhat resembling an eight-sided pyramid, or sugar-loaf,
and ceiled overhead in the interior with boards. On the top of the
belfry was an iron cross, surmounted by a large cock, cr rooster,
turning with and facing the wind — which may have been intended
as a memento of Peter’s changcablcncss in the denial of his Master.

The road, it is said, at one period, passed around the building so
as to leave it in the centre, the same as was the case of the old church
in Brooklyn, and others.

Tradition says, that during one of the unhappy controversies in
which the churches were engaged, the Consistory, one Sunday, had
a violent dispute at the church door; and that on the same afternoon
a whirlwind struck the building, tearing off the belfry and a part of
the roof. This was viewed by some as a judgment upon them for
their bickerings.

In 1705 there is an entry on the church books of “expended for
nails and plank, to repair the damages the church received from a
stroke of lightning, 375 guil., which may have been the occasion

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

referred to in the tradition ; or it may have been the gust of wind
which, July Sth, 1798, blew off the top of the steeple.

The building, when finished — like many of the European churches
of the present time — had no pews, each person desiring to sit sup-
plying his own stool ; and that, prior to 1721,110 particular place was
allotted to any of its attendants. The pulpit was of the shape of an
octagon elongated half globe, or goblet, perched or elevated on the
top of a column to a height much greater than the modern ones — of
sufficient capacity for one individual — and canopied with a sounding-
board, or cap, on the top or apex of which was a representation of
Noah’s dove holding an olive branch in its mouth; which identical
dove — covered with a new coat of gilt — I now hold in my hand,
and present to your view, lacking the original olive branch, which,
on account of its frailty, with the lapse of time has disappeared.

In the church, on the left side of the pulpit (the steps being on the'
right), hung two small black bags, fastened to two long poles, and
used by the deacons in making their collections — which have also
long since disappeared.

It is said that in consequence of mischievous boys (in modem
days) dropping old buttons and worthless shells in the bags, to the
disgust of the worthy deacons, their use was dispensed with, and the
modern plate, and since the introduction of rag currency — the
basket substituted. The bags are yet used in some localities.

In the early days of our churches, the schoolmaster was the voor-
zanger, or chorister, lector, or reader, and hosier, or sexton of the
church. Among his other duties was that of reading a chapter out
of the Bible, between the second and third ringing of the bell, and
after the third ringing, the Ten Commandments.

In my youth — some fifty-odd years ago — your speaker recollects
the reading of the Ten Commandments before the service by old Mr.
Skillman, the chorister of the Brooklyn church ; and the same prac-
tice may then have been in vogue in the other churches.

In 1721, places were assigned for the chairs of the worshippers.
On each side of the middle aisle — on the right and left of the pul-
pit— were places provided for 45 women’s chairs; and next to
the women’s places, and nearer to the door, were 45 chairs on
each side of the middle aisle, for men.

.The justices — who were the highest dignitaries of the community —
were honored with a bench on the right of the pulpit ; and a free bench
was also provided for strangers. A chart of the church, from which
the above is taken, does not show any special location for the elders

ANNALS OF NEW UTRECHT.

and deacons. A provision was made for new comers, who were to be
charged 6 guilders for each place.

It was further ordered, that for every dead person carried on the
bier and buried in the church, should be paid 1 2 shillings. Buried in
the church without being carried on the bier, 6 shillings. The interior
of the church was considered to be the most honorable place of
interment. This arrangement probably continued in force for many
years, before pews were introduced.

In 1774, the church was repaired, and new pews substituted for
the old ones. In the War of the Revolution, which shortly followed,
the church was used as a hospital and riding school, by the British, and
the interior fixtures removed. After the war the church was renova-
ted and new pews made, at a cost of ^£'529 m. nd.

The church of New Utrecht, in 1700, or thereabouts, appears to
have owned the site it occupied, with the surrounding burying-ground,
and an adjoining large plot containing an orchard, in addition. It
afterwards owned the ground it at present occupies, with about 30
acres of adjoining land. These premises the church parted with, a
portion for the establishment of an academy — which finally proved to
be a failure — and afterwards, for a site for the present church edifice,
the Consistory repurchased the plot now occupied. On the division of
the common lands, in 1719, two wood lots were allotted to the church,
which were afterwards, in 1746, sold. The present parsonage and
adjoining land, which has been sold, was purchased of John Blake,
about the period of the call of the Rev. John Beatty to the pastorate of
the church, and is the first and only premises used by the congregation
for said purposes.

In 182^, the old church was torn down. In August of the same
year, the present church edifice was commenced, and finished in De-
cember, 1829.

Had I time, many additional items of interest might be set forth ;
but that allotted to me having expired, I will close by stating that the
reputation of the departed and present residents of this town is as fair as
those of their neighbors ; and that among them have been divines,
jurists, legislators, physicians, and citizens, who will compare favor-
ably with any they can boast of.

And further, in the language of the fatherland, I will state, dat
alhcewcl in bevolking ende vermoorheid , zay ben nict gelyk onze inoedcr
Utrecht in Holland , ende mischicn nooit zuil ; nog het is onze pligt to
gebndk de derfgd, ende Jiavolgcn de vaderlandsch-gezuidheid van onze
vaders , zoo a Is to onderhouden hier na1 als en voorige tyden , de goede
naam van onze plaatsclyk.

■

LIST OF' ELDERS AND DEACONS

IN THE

Protestant Reformed Dutch Church

Of New Utrecht, L. I.

The Church Boohs show a perfect list from 1789; previous to which
an imperfect list has been formed from names gathered from loose
papers and irregular entries , c re.

T. G. BERGEN.

ELDERS.

Jan Gysbertsz

1677, 8

Myndcrt Korten

1677, 8

Daniel Verveelen

1678, 9

Jan Hansen (Van Noostrand)

1 6 78, So

Arian Willemsz (Bennet)

16S0, 1

Myndert Korten

1681, 2

Gerret Cornelissen (Van Duyn) 16S2, 3
Jan Hansen (Van Noostrand) 16S3, 4
Kryn Janssen Van Metercn 1684

Jan Jansz Van Dyck 16S4, 5

Jan Hansen (Van Noostrand) 1685

Gysbrecht Thysz (Lanen Van Pelt) “
Gysbrecht Thysz (Lanen Van Pelt) 1695
Corel Van Dyck “

1701

DEACONS.

Arian 'Williemsz (Bonnet) 1677

Jan Hansen (Van Noostrand) 1677, 8
Hans Harmensz (Van Borkelo) 167S, 9
Jan Pietcrsz Van Deventer 1679, 80
Jan Jansz Van Dyck 16S0, 1

Kryn Janssen Van Meteren 16S1, 2
Hans Harmensz (Van Borkelo) “ “

Jan Van Deventer “ “

Hendrick Van Dyck 16S2

Gysbrecht Thysz Lanen (Van Pelt) 16S3
Jan Pietersz Van Deventer 16S4, 5
Jan Van Deventer 10S7

Gerret Cornelissen (Van Duyn) 16S9
Derick Janse Van Sutphen 1694

Joost Van Brunt 1695

Cornelis Van Brunt 1695

Jaques Cortelyou 1696

Peter Van Deventer 1697

Joost Van Brunt 169S

Denys Tuenessen 1702

Jan Van Dyck

APPENDIX.

ELDEKS. DEACONS.

Jaques Cortelyou

1701, 2

Joost Van Brunt 1706, 1710

Aurt Van Pelt 1707

Albert Coerten (Van Voorhees) “

Jacobus Auckes (Van Nuyse) 1710

Hendrick Jansen 1 71 1

Jan Van Dyck, Jun. “

Anthony Van Pelt 1711, 12

Johannes Swart 1713

Jacob Van Zutvin “

Willem Van der Ryp 1715

Cornells Van Erunt

I7I5» 16

Tomas Fardon

Pieter Cortelyou
Jacob Van Zutvin

1715

Rutgert Van Brunt

3716

Cornelis Van Brunt

1717

Wyllem Van Nuys

1717, 1 8

Jacob Van Zutvin

Tomas Fardon

44 44

Johannes Swart

171s

Coort Van Voorhies

1717

Joost Van Erunt

171S, 19

Willem Van der Ryp

171S, 19

Jaques Cortelyou

(( C 6

Sami. Groenendyck

1718, 19, 20

Albert Coertcn (Van Voorhies) “ “

Rutgert Van Erunt*

1 720, 2 1

Scgcr Gcrretse

1719, 20, 21

Hendrick llcndrickse

1720

Wyllem Van Nuys

U 44 (4

Rutgert Van Erunt

1721

Cornelis Van Erunt

44 44 44

Cocrt Albertse (Van Voorhies) 1721, 22

Joost Van Erunt*

1720, 21, 22

Ilendrik Suydain

1721

Jan Van Dyck
Jaques Cortelyou
Wyllem Van Nuys

et a a

1722

Aucke Van Nuys

1722, 23

Albert Coertcn ( Yran

Voorhies) 1722, 3

Jan Van Tclt

1724, 25

Hendrick 1 1 endrickse 1 723

Samuel Groencndyck 1724,5

Nicolaes Van Brunt

44 44

Albert Coertcn (Van

Voorhies) 1 724

James Spencer

1725, 6

Cornelis Van Erunt

1724, 5, 6

Machiel Van der Veer

44 44

Pieter Cortelyou

Willem Fardon

1726

Andries Einans

1725, 6, 7

Rutgert Van Brunt

1727

Rutgert Van Erunt

1726, 7, S

Jan Van Pelt

1728, 9

Wyllem Van Nuys
Sami. Groenendyck
Cornelis Van Erunt

44 44 44

172S, 9, 30
I729. 30» 31

Machiel Van der Veer

1729

Pieter Corteylou

1730

Gerret Van Duyn

1732, 3

Willem Fardon

*733

Nicolaes Van Erunt

T733> 4> 5

Rutgert Van Brunt

1 733» 4, 5. 6, 7, 8

Jan Van Pelt

I733> 4

Albert Coerten (Van

Voorhies) 1733, 4,
5* 6, 7, 8

Cristoffel Hoogland

1734, 5

Sami. Groenendyck

*733> 4> 5

Machiel Van der Veer

1 735, 6

Cornelis Van Brunt

1 735» 6

Harmancs Barkcloo

44 44

Jan Van Pelt

1 735> 6, 7

Gerret Van Duyn

1737, 8

•There \v$r$ fcyvq Rutgert Van Brunts, at times both Elders and Deacons in the same year.

APPENDIX.

ELDERS. DEACONS. *

Joost Van Brunt

I73s> 9

Tomas Van Dyck

1737, 8

Wyllem Van Nuys

44 ii

Cristofi'el Hoogland

*4 4 4

Rutgert Van Brunt 1740,

i» 2, 4. 5* 6

Nicolacs Van Brunt

i739> 40

Albert Coerten (Van Voorhies) 1741

Myndcrt Janse

1741, 2

Wyllem Van Nuys

1742, 3

Tomas Van Dyck

1740, 1

Jan Van Pelt

1742

Hendrik Suydam

1740

Albert Coerten (Van Voorhies) 1743

Gerret Van Duyn

1741, 2

Gcrrct Van Duyn

1744, 5

Joris Lott

1742, 3

Nicalues Couwenhoven

1744

Tomas Van Dyck

*743> 4> 5

Wilhclmus Van Brunt

“

Nicolacs Van Brunt *

“ “ “

Hendrick Janse

1746

Joris Lott

I74b, 7

Rutgcrt Van Brunt

1746, 7, 8, 9

Andries limans

44 44

Gerret Van Duyn

I74b, 7

Jacobes Van Nuys

44 44

Rutgcrt Van Brunt

1752

Tomas Van Dyck

*747> 8

Hendrick Janse

“

Harmanes Barkcloo

174S

Tomas Van Dyck

1 75 7» 8

Jacobes Van Nuys

1758

Evert Suydam

1758, 9

Wyllem Van Nuys

1760, 1

Jan Jansen

1759, 60

Gerret Van Duyn

1760, 1, 2

Garret Couwenhoven

44 44

John Johnson

1761, 2

William Van Brunt

1760, I, 2, 3

Jacobes Van Nuys

44 44 44 44

Joris Lott

1762

Adriaen Van Brunt

1763. 4, 5

Jacques Denyse

I7b3’ 4

Stephen Lott

1765

Albert Van Brunt

I7b4, 5

Wilhclmus Van Nuys

1766, 7, S, 9

Jaqucs Denyse

1 7-7, 8. 9

Adriaen Van Brunt 1

766, 7, 8, 70, 71

John Barre

*7b9» 70

Peter Van Dcr Bilt

1770, i

Isaac Cortelyou

1771, 2, 3, 4

Casper Crapscr

1772, 3

Nicholas Couwenhoven

44 44

Peter Muerenbildt

1 773* 4

John Bonnet

1774, 5

Isaac Cortelyou

44 44

John Barre

*774* 5> 6

Peter Van Pelt

1775

Nicholas Couwenhoven

i77b, 7

Harmon Cropsy

1775. b, 7

John Johnson

“ “

Peter Van Dor Bilt

1776, 1781, 2

Casper Crapser

1777

Garret Couwenhoven

1781, 2

Isaac Cortelyou

44 ii

Harmon Cropsy

1781, 2

John Bennet

44 44

William Cropsy

1782

Peter Muerenbildt

APPENDIX.

ELDERS. DEACONS.

Nicholas Couwenhoven

17S9

John Bennet

17S9

Denyse Dcnyse

“

John Verkerk Van Nuys

Simon Cortclyou

William Barre

Peter Van Der Bilt

Tunis Suydam

Adrian Hegcman

1792

Isaac Cortelyou

1792

Johannes Cowenhoven

William Van Nuys

“

Fornant J ohnson

“

Jechobas Bennet

Abraham Duryee

“

Rutgert Van Brunt (son

of Albert) “

William Barre

1795

Peter Van Pelt

1795

William Cropsy

Engelbert Lott

Adrian Hageman

1/95- 6

Rutgert Van Brunt

>795.6

Tunis Suydam

1795

Jacobus Van Nuys

44 4 4

Abraliam Duryee

>796» 7

Rutgert A*. Van Brunt

1796, 7

Fornant Johnson

1796

William Van Nuys

1796

Peter Van Der Bilt

1797, s

William W. Van Nuys

>797

Ram Van Pelt

a a

Thomas Hegcman

>797. 3

Denyse Denyse

1798, 9

Jacobus Cropsy

179S

Jechobas Bennet

1798

Nicholas Van Brunt

>798, 9

Peter Van Pelt

179S

Aurt Van Pelt

1799, iSco

Engelbert Lott

1799, 1800

Johannes Cowenhoven

“ “

Jacques I. Denyse

it it

Simon Cortelyou

1800, 1

Rutgert Van Brunt

1800

John B_nnet

1800

Jacobus Van Nuys

iSco, 1

Wm. Barre

1801, 2

Rutgert A. Van Brunt

1801, 2

John Verkerk Van Nuys

“ “

Wineant Bennet

44 44

Adrian Hageman

1802, 3

Han nanus Bennet

1802, 3

Tunis Suydam

it it

Peter Van Pelt

“ “

Abraham Duryee

John Bennet, Jun.

1803, 4

Ram Van Pelt

a a

Thomas Hegcman

44 44

Fornant Johnson

1804, 5

Jacobus Van Nuys

1 804, 5

William Cropsy

“ “

Jacques I. Denyse

44 44

Aurt Van Pelt

1805, 6

Engelbert Lott

1805, 6

Jechobas Bennet

44 a

Jacobus Cropsy

44 44

Simon Cortclyou

1806, 7

Rutgert A. Van Brunt

1S06, 7

Johannes Cowenhoven

a a

George A. Duryee

44 44

Wm. Barre

1807

Denyse I. Denyse

1807

Rutgert Van Brunt

Valentine Cropsy

Simon Cortclyou

*1809

Valentine Cropsy

1809

Johannes Cowenhoven

Tcunis T. Bergen

✓ ««

Jaques I. Denyse

1809, 10

Thomas liegeman

1809, 10

Abraham Duryee

1810, 11

Albert Van Brunt

1810

Wm. W. Van Nuys

it a

Albert I. Van Brunt

1S10, 11

Peter S. Cortclyou

44 44

Engelbert Lott

1811, 12

Andrew Emmans

1811, 12

Jacobus Cropsy

a a

Jaques Van Brunt

l8ll

Valentine Cropsy

1812, 13

Christopher Bennet, Jun.

1812

No record of a new Consistory having been ordained in iGo9.

APPENDIX .

ELDERS. DEACONS.

Teunis Suydam

1812, 13

Thomas Turnbull
Harmanus H. Barkuloo

1812, 13

44 44

Winant Bennet

1813, 14

Tliomas Smith

1813, 14

Tliomas liegeman

44 ii

Henry Cropsy

44 44

Simon Cortclyou

1814, 15

John R. Sncdcker

1814, 15

Ram Van Pelt

ii ii

Jacobus Denyse

1S15

Wm. Ear re

1815, 16

Albert Van Brunt

1815, 16

Rutgert Van Brunt

ii ii

John Bennet

44 44

Johannes Cowenhoven

1816, 17

Garret Cowenhoven

1816, 17

Jaques I. Denyse

ii ii

Peter S. Cortclyou

44 44

Aurt Van Pelt

Albert I. Van Brunt

1817, 18

Jacobus Cropsy

ii ii

Jacob Van Pelt

“ “

Valentine Cropsy

1818, 19

Simon Cortclyou, Jun.

1S18, 19

Denyse I. Denyse

a a

Thomas Turnbull

44 44

Winant Bennet

1819, 20

John L. LcfTerts

1819, 20

Engelbert Lott

a a

Jacobus Denyse

44 44

Simon Cortelyou

1820, 1

Garret Cowenhoven

1820, 1

Tunis Suydam

<< u

William Bennet

44 44

Thomas Smith

1821, 2

John Bennet

1821, 2

Albert I. Van Brunt

a a

James Cropsey

44 44

Valentine Cropsy

1822, 3

Simon Cortelyou, Jun.

1822, 3

Johannes C(>wenlioven

ii a

Tliomas Turnbull

44 44

Aurt Van Pelt

1823, 4

James Cropsey

1823, 4

Rutgert Van Brunt

44 44

James D. Denyse

44 44

William Bennet

1824, 5

James Denyse

1824, 5

Garret Cowenhoven

44 44

John E. Lott

44 44

John Carpenter

<4 44

Winant Bennet

1825, 6

Evert Suydam

1825, 6

Engelbert Lott

44 44

Andrew Emmans

44 44

Tunis Suydam

1826, 7

Garret I. Cowenhoven

1826, 7

William Bennet

1826, 7

Jacob Van Pelt

1826, 7

Gilbert Smith

1827, 8

Jonathan B. Horton

1827, 8

Thomas Hcgeman

ti 44

William W. Cropsey

44 44

Aurt Van Pelt

182S

Garret I. Cowenhoven

1828

Garret Cowenhoven

1829, 30

James Cropsey

182S, 29, 30, 31

Thomas Turnbull

1829, 30, 31

Evert Suydam

1829, 30, 31

Wm. Bennet

44 44 44

John E. Lott

1829, 30

Winant Bennet

1829, 30

Bernardus Hendrickson

1S30, 31

Engelbert Lott

1831

John Carpenter

" 1831, 2

Denyse I. Denyse
Andrew Emmans

1831, 2
1832

Lambert Suydam

Wm. Bennet

•83:. 3

Adrian Bergen

. i83-. 3

Garret Cowenhoven

44 44

Jacob Beckman

“ “

Thomas Turnbull

1833, 4

John E. Lott

1833, 4

James Cropsey

44 44

John Hageman

44 44

Winant Bennet

1834, 5

Lambert Suydam

1834

Evert Suydam

ii 44

Adrian Bergen

1834, 5

Garret Cowenhoven.

1835. 6

William Barkeloo

1835, 6

Jacob Beekmaa

1835

Wm. W. Cropsey

(4 44

■

APPENDIX.

ELDERS.

John E. Lott

1836, 7

Denyse I. Denyse

1836

Wm. Bcnnet

1836, 7

Thomas Turnbull

•■O

John Carpenter

44 44

James Cropsey

1838, 9

Wm. Barkeloo

ii 44

Garret Cowenhoven

1839

John Carpenter

1839, 40

John E. Lott

1840, 41

Evert Suydam

<< a

Wm. Bcnnet

a a

Thomas Turnbull

1841, 2

John L. Van Pelt

184 2,3

John E. Lott

1842

Winant I. Bcnnet

1842, 3

Win. G. Verity

1843, 4

Wm. Barkeloo

1844, 5

Adrian Bergen

1S44

James Cropsey

1844. 5

John Carpenter

1845, 6

John E. Lott

44 44

Wm. Barkeloo

1846, 7

Charles Lott

44 44

Adrian Bergen

1847, 8

Adrian T. liegeman

44 44

Wm. G. Verity

1848, 9

George Pool

44 44

Wm. Barkeloo

1849, 50

John E. Lott

44 44

James Cropsey

1850, 1

Charles Lott

44 44

Wm. Barkeloo

►H

«-0

Evert Suydam

1851

John Carpenter

1852, 3, 4

John L. Van Pelt

1852, 3

Adrian Bergen

44 44

George Pool

1853, 4

James Cropsey

1854, 5

Wm. G. Verity

a a

Jeremiah E. Lott

1855, 6

Charles Lott

44 44

John L. Van Pelt

1856, 7

Wm. Barkeloo

44 44

John E. Lott

1857, 8

Tcunis Bergen

1857,8

Win. G. Verity

1858, 9

DEACONS.

William G. Verity

1835, 6

Jacob Bennet

1836

Christopher C. Bennet

1837, s

Garret W. Cropsey

44 44

Wm. W. Cropsey

1837

Wm. Barkeloo

John L. Van Pelt

1838, 9

Adrian T. Hegeman

44 44

Winant I. Bennet

1839, 40

Jeremiah E. Lott

44 44

Wm. G. Verity

1840, 41

Adrian Bergen

44 44

Garret W. Cropsey

1841, 2

John J. Bcnnet

44 44

Adrian T. Hegeman

1842, 3

Charles Lott

44 44

George Pool

1843, 4

Jeremiah E. Lott

44 44

Teunis Bergen

1844, 5

William Stoothoff

“ “

John C. Bennet

1845, 6

Richard Ran

“ “

George Pool

1846, 7

Peter Rougct

44 44

Jaques Bragaw

1847, 8

Jeremiah E. Lott

44 44

John J. Bennet

1848, 9

Jacobus I. Voorhees

“ “

Tcunis Bergen

1849, 50

Garret W. Cropsey

“ “

Jacob Hendricksen

1850, 1

Richard Ran

44 44

Jeremiah E. Lott

1851, 2

John Bragaw

44 44

Jacobus I. Voorhees

1S52, 3

Jaques Bragaw

44 44

John J. Bennet

.1853, 4

Teunis Bergen

44 44

Garret W. Cropsey

1854, 5

Richard Ran ^

44 44

Robert Waters

1855, 6

John V. N. Bergen

44 44

Christopher Prince

1856, 7

Aaron Lott

44 44

Robert Waters

1857, 8

Jaques Van Brunt .

1857, 8

Cornelius Cozine

1857, 8

j)Jl vo fo

■

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Full text of "Historical discourse : delivered on the 18th of October, 1877, at the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the Reformed Dutch Church of New Utrecht, L.I."

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